Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Chittenden County
Chittenden County averages 43.0 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 244 days. Annual mean temperature is 44.5°F.
Chittenden County's agricultural base centers on milk, maple syrup, and cattle. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 584 farms working 74,472 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 3,301 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Champlain Valley |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Maple syrup, Floriculture, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Cattle & calves |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Chittenden County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
94 Harvest Lane, Williston, VT 05495
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 Chittenden County
Chittenden County reported 3,301 head of cattle across roughly 6,519 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a July 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 Chittenden County.
Farm Structure in Chittenden County
Chittenden County reports about 311 acres under irrigation. Farms average 128 acres, with about 33% classed as small operations. Around 26% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Chittenden County
Chittenden County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were milk, maple syrup, and cattle. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for dairies, waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage; and for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Chittenden County Operations
Based on Chittenden County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize farmland preservation and urban-edge agriculture sustainability. Conservation efforts focus on protecting water quality in Lake Champlain while supporting local food 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
Counties Bordering Chittenden County
Chittenden County shares borders with Clinton County, New York, Essex County, New York, Addison County, Vermont, Franklin County, Vermont, Grand Isle County, Vermont, and Lamoille County, Vermont. 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 Chittenden 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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