Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Orleans County
The county falls within the New England and Eastern New York Upland, Northern Part (MLRA 144B) land resource region.
The growing season in Orleans County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 48.1 inches per year. January lows average around 5°F while July highs reach about 76°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 545 farms in Orleans County, operating across 121,559 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 223 acres. Top commodities include milk, maple syrup, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Kingdom |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Maple syrup, Cattle & calves, Corn, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Orleans County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
59 Waterfront Plaza Suite 11, Newport, VT 05855
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 Orleans County
The forage year in Orleans County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 10,191 acres of pastureland and 9,860 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Orleans County
About 22% of Orleans County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 21% of farms are small and 6% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 223 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Orleans County
With cattle and milk in the mix in Orleans 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 Orleans County Operations
Based on Orleans County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs address the economic challenges facing Northeast Kingdom farmers through diversification support. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining working landscapes and supporting traditional 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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Orleans County: Caledonia County, Vermont, Essex County, Vermont, Franklin County, Vermont, and Lamoille County, Vermont. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Orleans 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.