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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Durham County
Elevation across Durham County averages about 349 feet. The county falls within the Southern Piedmont (MLRA 136) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 46.9 inches per year. January lows average around 29°F while July highs reach about 90°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 212 farms in Durham County, operating across 16,166 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 76 acres. Top commodities include cattle, corn, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Piedmont |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Corn, Berries, Vegetables, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 14+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-04-14
Your Local USDA Offices
Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS (conservation programs like EQIP and CSP) and FSA (loans, disaster assistance, farm numbers). Here are the offices serving Durham County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
201 E Main Street, 5th Floor, Durham, NC 27701
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
306 Revere Rd, Hillsborough, NC 27278
This county also has 1 additional FSA office. View all offices
Office info is from USDA’s published directory. Call ahead to confirm hours before visiting.
What to do when you call: Ask to schedule a meeting with a conservation planner (for EQIP/CSP) or a loan officer (for FSA programs). Mention the type of operation you run and what improvements you're considering.
Programs for Durham County Operations
Based on Durham County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Urban agriculture programs support local food systems and community gardens in the Research Triangle area. Assistance emphasizes sustainable practices for small farms and transitioning land use pressures.
Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener. Two minutes, personalized action packet.
Local Conservation Priorities
Each county's NRCS Local Working Group sets the conservation practices that score highest for EQIP funding. Knowing your county's priorities before you apply can significantly improve your ranking.
How to find your county's priorities:
- Call your local NRCS office and ask: "What practices is the Local Working Group prioritizing this year?"
- Ask which EQIP ranking pool your operation fits (there may be separate pools for livestock, cropland, forestry, etc.)
- Check your state NRCS website for published ranking criteria
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Durham County: Chatham County, North Carolina, Granville County, North Carolina, Orange County, North Carolina, Person County, North Carolina, and Wake County, North Carolina. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Durham County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the North Carolina guide: North Carolina Farm Programs Guide
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