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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Pierce County
Temperatures in Pierce County range from a January mean low of 31°F to a July mean high near 73°F. Annual precipitation averages 65.4 inches.
Pierce County ran 1,347 farms, 47,546 acres of farmland, and 6,712 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cut flowers & cut cultivated greens, cattle, and hemp.
Quick Facts
| Region | Puget Sound |
| Top Commodities | Vegetables, Floriculture, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Cattle & calves, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Pierce County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1011 E Main Ave Suite 306, Puyallup, WA 98372
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 Pierce County Operations
Based on Pierce County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize farmland preservation and urban-edge agricultural sustainability practices. Water quality protection in the Puget Sound watershed drives conservation efforts for berry and dairy operations.
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 King County, Washington, Kitsap County, Washington, Kittitas County, Washington, Lewis County, Washington, Mason County, Washington, and Thurston County, Washington. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Pierce County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Washington guide: Washington Farm Programs Guide
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