Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Yamhill County
Elevation across Yamhill County averages about 975 feet. The county falls within the Willamette and Puget Sound Valleys (MLRA 2) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 60.1 inches per year. January lows average around 36°F while July highs reach about 80°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 2,000 farms in Yamhill County, operating across 164,347 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 82 acres. Top commodities include milk, cattle, and cut christmas trees.
Quick Facts
| Region | Willamette Valley |
| Top Commodities | Fruit & tree nuts, Dairy, Berries, Poultry, Vegetables, Cattle & calves |
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 Yamhill County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2200 SW 2nd St, Mcminnville, OR 97128
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 Yamhill County
The forage year in Yamhill County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in May (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 15,235 acres of pastureland and 18,193 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Yamhill County
About 23% of Yamhill County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 67% of farms are small and 3% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 82 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Yamhill County
Given the operation mix in Yamhill County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage for dairies; and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground. 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 Yamhill County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Yamhill County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Cover cropping and erosion control in vineyards, pollinator habitat, and soil health practices are strong EQIP and CSP candidates. Hazelnut orchard establishment and management is an emerging area. Livestock operations in the foothills access standard ranch practices.
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 Yamhill County: Clackamas County, Oregon, Marion County, Oregon, Polk County, Oregon, Tillamook County, Oregon, and Washington County, Oregon. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Yamhill 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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