Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Deschutes County
Elevation across Deschutes County averages about 4,757 feet. The county falls within the Cascade Mountains, Eastern Slope (MLRA 6) land resource region.
The growing season in Deschutes County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 22.9 inches per year. January lows average around 23°F while July highs reach about 81°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,572 farms in Deschutes County, operating across 153,000 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 97 acres. Top commodities include cattle, equine, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Oregon |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Horses, Floriculture, Poultry, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Deschutes County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
625 SE Salmon Ave Bldg A, Redmond, OR 97756
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 Deschutes County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Deschutes County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Irrigation efficiency is a major EQIP focus, converting from flood irrigation to sprinkler/drip systems. Rangeland improvement and juniper management are also common. High land costs make FSA loans especially relevant for beginning producers.
Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener. It takes 2 minutes and generates a personalized action packet you can print and bring to your USDA office.
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 Deschutes County: Crook County, Oregon, Harney County, Oregon, Jefferson County, Oregon, Klamath County, Oregon, Lake County, Oregon, and Lane County, Oregon. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Deschutes County
- Run the eligibility screener to see which programs fit your operation: Free Screener
- Find your local USDA Service Center and call to schedule a meeting: Service Center Locator
- Read the full Oregon guide for statewide program details, deadlines, and office contacts: Oregon Farm Programs Guide
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