Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Franklin County
The growing season in Franklin County spans roughly 244 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 45.2 inches per year. January lows average around 8°F while July highs reach about 78°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 707 farms in Franklin County, operating across 182,060 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 258 acres. Top commodities include milk, maple syrup, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Champlain Valley |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Maple syrup, Cattle & calves, Corn, Vegetables, Floriculture |
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 Franklin County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
50 South Main Street, Saint Albans, VT 05478
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 Franklin County
The forage year in Franklin County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 13,083 acres of pastureland and 32,656 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Franklin County
About 24% of Franklin County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 21% of farms are small and 8% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 258 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Franklin County
With cattle and milk in the mix in Franklin County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage (dairies); and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Franklin County Operations
Based on Franklin County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs emphasize nutrient management and water quality protection for Lake Champlain and Missisquoi Bay. Technical assistance supports precision agriculture and manure management 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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Franklin County: Chittenden County, Vermont, Grand Isle County, Vermont, Lamoille County, Vermont, and Orleans County, Vermont. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Franklin 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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