Farming in Merrimack County, New Hampshire

Broader context

Without reviewed regional crop guidance for New Hampshire, the most reliable next step is the state's Extension service, which publishes crop, forage and livestock information for its own regions and can tell you what is commonly grown in Merrimack County. The links below cover the essentials for any county.

• USDA NASS Quick Stats for crops historically produced in the county (statistics, not a suitability test)
• USDA plant hardiness map for winter cold limits on perennials (not annual crops)
• NRCS Web Soil Survey for mapped soils (a map is not a soil test)
• Crop and enterprise guides for what each enterprise needs from the land

Local help for Merrimack County

County offices are best found through each agency's locator. Our directory is curated, not a complete list of local providers. All New Hampshire resources

• University of New Hampshire Cooperative ExtensionNew Hampshire

  New Hampshire's land-grant Extension service. Its agriculture section includes pages for beginning farmers and a county office list for finding local help.

  Cooperative ExtensionServes: Statewide (New Hampshire)Find a local officeVerified Oct 30, 2026 (source)Report a correction

• UNH Extension Soil Testing ServiceNew Hampshire

  University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension's soil analysis service, with fertilizer and lime recommendations written for the crop being grown. Useful for testing a hayfield, pasture, garden or small commercial planting before and after a purchase.

  Tests listed by the lab: standard soil fertility (extractable nutrients, pH, organic matter), hay and pasture field soil test, organic matter, soil texture class, micronutrients, heavy metals, lead screening, compost

  Submitting samples: Samples can be mailed or dropped off at the lab in Durham with a submission form for the type of site being tested.

  Sampling and submission instructions · Current fees

  Soil and plant testing labsServes: New Hampshire (farmers, homeowners and researchers)Office: Durham, NHVerified Oct 30, 2026 (source)Report a correction

• NACD Conservation District DirectoryNationwide

  National Association of Conservation Districts directory page with a way to find your local conservation district. Districts are local groups that often work with landowners and NRCS on soil, water and conservation questions.

  Soil and conservationServes: NationwideVerified Oct 30, 2026 (source)Report a correction

• USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher CoordinatorsNationwide

  List of state coordinators who help new farmers and ranchers find USDA programs. The page asks you to reach out with details such as the location of your operation, so have a county or parcel in mind.

  USDA offices and programsServes: NationwideVerified Oct 30, 2026 (source)Report a correction

• USDA Service CentersNationwide

  Farmers.gov explains what a USDA Service Center is and how to get started there. Service centers are where a buyer or new farmer can reach Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Rural Development staff.

  USDA offices and programsServes: NationwideFind a local officeVerified Oct 30, 2026 (source)Report a correction

Farm and ranch listings in Merrimack County

No participating listings in Merrimack County right now. See listings across New Hampshire.