Humboldt County, Iowa: USDA programs and conservation funding

580
Farms & Ranches
223K
Acres in Agriculture
385
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$10.7M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Humboldt County, Iowa has 580 farms working 223,283 agricultural acres (average 385 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $10.7 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Soybeans. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

← Iowa Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Humboldt County

Humboldt County sits within the Central Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies (MLRA 103) region. Elevation averages about 1,134 feet.

Temperatures in Humboldt County range from a January mean low of 8°F to a July mean high near 83°F. Annual precipitation averages 33.4 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.

Humboldt County ran 580 farms, 223,283 acres of farmland, and 524 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, soybeans, and hogs.


Quick Facts

RegionNorth Central Iowa
Top CommoditiesCorn, Soybeans, Hogs, Poultry, Cattle & calves, Sheep

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 Humboldt County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

1301 6th Ave N, Humboldt, IA 50548

(515) 332-2456

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 Humboldt County Operations

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

Prairie restoration programs work to reestablish native vegetation in marginal areas and buffer strips along waterways. Precision agriculture initiatives help optimize fertilizer and pesticide applications on the highly productive farmland.

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 Hancock County, Iowa, Kossuth County, Iowa, Palo Alto County, Iowa, Pocahontas County, Iowa, Webster County, Iowa, and Wright County, Iowa. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Humboldt 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

EQIP FencingCRPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.24
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.91
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Humboldt 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.