Bremer County, Iowa: USDA programs and conservation funding

1,009
Farms & Ranches
241K
Acres in Agriculture
239
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$14.8M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Milk
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Bremer County, Iowa has 1,009 farms working 240,688 agricultural acres (average 239 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $14.8 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Soybeans. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Bremer County

Bremer County lies in the Eastern Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies (MLRA 104) region. Elevation averages about 1,050 feet.

Bremer County averages 37.7 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 46.6°F.

Bremer County's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and hogs. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 1,009 farms working 240,688 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 8,650 head.


Quick Facts

RegionNortheast Iowa
Top CommoditiesCorn, Soybeans, Hogs, Poultry, Dairy, Cattle & calves

Current Conditions

Drought status: None (None).

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 Bremer County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

1510 3rd Street SW, Waverly, IA 50677

(319) 352-1597

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 Bremer County Operations

Based on Bremer County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Wetland restoration and prairie pothole conservation are important environmental priorities. Dairy operations focus on nutrient management and pasture systems that protect water quality.

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

Counties Bordering Bremer County

Bremer County shares borders with Black Hawk County, Iowa, Buchanan County, Iowa, Butler County, Iowa, Chickasaw County, Iowa, Fayette County, Iowa, and Floyd County, Iowa. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.

Your Next Steps in Bremer County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Iowa guide: Iowa Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

CRPEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.24
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.92
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Bremer County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.