Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Jefferson County
Elevation across Jefferson County averages about 2,445 feet. The county falls within the Central Rocky and Blue Mountain Foothills (MLRA 10) land resource region.
The growing season in Jefferson County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 18.4 inches per year. January lows average around 26°F while July highs reach about 84°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 348 farms in Jefferson County, operating across 542,344 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,558 acres. Top commodities include cattle, wheat, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Oregon |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Wheat, Corn, Horses, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 20+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Jefferson 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.
Forage and Grazing in Jefferson County
The forage year in Jefferson County runs from green-up in March to peak growth in April (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 449,605 acres of pastureland and 754 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Jefferson County
About 24% of Jefferson County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 31% of farms are small and 15% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 1,558 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Jefferson County
Given the operation mix in Jefferson County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and brush management for rangeland. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Jefferson County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Jefferson County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Irrigation efficiency is the top EQIP priority, converting to modern systems saves water in this water-scarce region. Cover cropping and soil health on irrigated cropland are strong CSP fits.
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 Jefferson County: Crook County, Oregon, Deschutes County, Oregon, Linn County, Oregon, Marion County, Oregon, Wasco County, Oregon, and Wheeler County, Oregon. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Jefferson 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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