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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Snohomish County
Rainfall averages 85.1 inches per year. January lows average around 31°F while July highs reach about 71°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,418 farms in Snohomish County, operating across 73,324 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 52 acres. Top commodities include milk, cattle, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | Puget Sound |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Poultry, Floriculture, Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Corn |
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 Snohomish County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
528 91st Ave NE Ste B, Lake Stevens, WA 98258
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 Snohomish County
The forage year in Snohomish County runs from green-up in July to peak growth in September (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 11,752 acres of pastureland and 28,559 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Snohomish County
About 22% of Snohomish County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 71% of farms are small and 1% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 52 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Snohomish County
With cattle and milk in the mix in Snohomish 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 Snohomish County Operations
Based on Snohomish County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Farmland preservation and water quality protection in Puget Sound drive conservation program participation. Urban-agricultural interface management helps maintain viable farming operations near metropolitan areas.
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 Snohomish County: Chelan County, Washington, Island County, Washington, King County, Washington, Kitsap County, Washington, and Skagit County, Washington. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Snohomish 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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