Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Hood River County
Hood River County lies in the Olympic and Cascade Mountains (MLRA 3) region. Elevation averages about 2,819 feet.
Hood River County averages 59.1 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 303 days. Annual mean temperature is 45.9°F.
Hood River County's agricultural base centers on cut flowers & cut cultivated greens, tomatoes, and cut christmas trees. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 497 farms working 26,623 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 54 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Columbia Gorge |
| Top Commodities | Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Vegetables, Floriculture, Poultry, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
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 Hood River County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
6780 Highway 35, Parkdale, OR 97041
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
2325 River Rd Ste 3, The Dalles, OR 97058
This county also has 1 additional NRCS 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.
Forage and Grazing in Hood River County
Hood River County reported 54 head of cattle across roughly 1,411 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a October growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Hood River County.
Farm Structure in Hood River County
Irrigation covers about 63% of farmland in Hood River County, roughly 16,702 acres. Farms average 54 acres, with about 55% classed as small operations. Around 23% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Hood River County
With field crops, other and cut flowers & cut cultivated greens in the mix in Hood River County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground), and high tunnels, irrigation efficiency, and NAP coverage (specialty-crop acres). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Hood River County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Hood River County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Irrigation efficiency (converting to micro-sprinkler and drip), pollinator habitat, and cover cropping in orchards are relevant EQIP practices. High land values make FSA loans critical for beginning orchardists.
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
Counties Bordering Hood River County
Hood River County shares borders with Clackamas County, Oregon, Multnomah County, Oregon, Wasco County, Oregon, Klickitat County, Washington, and Skamania County, Washington. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Hood River 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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