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: None (None).
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 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.
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
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.