Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Addison County
Temperatures in Addison County range from a January mean low of 9°F to a July mean high near 80°F. Annual precipitation averages 42.8 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.
Addison County ran 751 farms, 177,719 acres of farmland, and 30,458 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: milk, cattle, and maple syrup.
Quick Facts
| Region | Champlain Valley |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Cattle & calves, Poultry, Maple syrup, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Addison County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
68 Catamount Park, Middlebury, VT 05753
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.
Programs for Addison County Operations
Based on Addison County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus heavily on nutrient management and water quality protection due to proximity to Lake Champlain. Beginning farmer programs support dairy farm transitions and sustainable grazing systems.
Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener. Two minutes, personalized action packet.
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 Essex County, New York, Washington County, New York, Chittenden County, Vermont, Orange County, Vermont, Rutland County, Vermont, and Washington County, Vermont. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Addison County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Vermont guide: Vermont Farm Programs Guide
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