Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Marion County
Marion County sits within the Willamette and Puget Sound Valleys (MLRA 2) region. Elevation averages about 2,347 feet.
Temperatures in Marion County range from a January mean low of 33°F to a July mean high near 78°F. Annual precipitation averages 64.8 inches.
Marion County ran 2,477 farms, 275,483 acres of farmland, and 27,505 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: milk, cut christmas trees, and cut christmas trees & short term woody trees.
Quick Facts
| Region | Willamette Valley |
| Top Commodities | Fruit & tree nuts, Vegetables, Floriculture, Berries, Dairy, Poultry |
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 Marion County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
650 Hawthorne Ave SE Ste 130, Salem, OR 97301
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 Marion County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Marion County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
The diversity of operations means nearly every EQIP practice category is relevant somewhere in the county. High tunnels for berry and vegetable operations, irrigation efficiency, pollinator habitat, and cover cropping are all common. High land values make FSA loans critical for new farmers.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Clackamas County, Oregon, Jefferson County, Oregon, Linn County, Oregon, Polk County, Oregon, Wasco County, Oregon, and Yamhill County, Oregon. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Marion 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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