Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Orange County
Orange County is part of the New England and Eastern New York Upland, Northern Part land resource region (MLRA 144B).
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Orange County sees 43.8 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 42.9°F mean annual temperature.
Orange County carries 10,476 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 8,923 acres. 527 farms operate in the county, averaging 166 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Vermont |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Maple syrup, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries |
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 Orange County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
617 Comstock Rd Ste 1, Berlin, VT 05602
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
28 Farmvu Dr, White River Jctn, VT 05001
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.
Forage and Grazing in Orange County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Orange County greening up around May and peaking in July. The county carries about 8,923 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Orange County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Orange County at an average farm size of 166 acres, 16% small operations, 30% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 266 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Orange County
Orange 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 Orange County Operations
Based on Orange County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs support farm diversification and conservation practices suited to rolling terrain. Technical assistance emphasizes soil health and water management in valley farming 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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Orange County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Grafton County, New Hampshire, Addison County, Vermont, Caledonia County, Vermont, Washington County, Vermont, and Windsor County, Vermont. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Orange 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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