Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Washington County
Temperatures in Washington County range from a January mean low of 7°F to a July mean high near 77°F. Annual precipitation averages 45.7 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.
Washington County ran 475 farms, 56,396 acres of farmland, and 5,090 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: milk, cattle, and cut christmas trees.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Vermont |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Vegetables, Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Floriculture, Berries |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Washington County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
617 Comstock Rd Ste 1, Berlin, VT 05602
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
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 Washington County Operations
Based on Washington County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs support local food system development and beginning farmer initiatives near the state capital. Conservation efforts focus on protecting water quality in the Winooski River watershed.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Addison County, Vermont, Caledonia County, Vermont, Chittenden County, Vermont, Lamoille County, Vermont, and Orange County, Vermont. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Washington 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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