Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Kossuth County
Kossuth County lies in the Central Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies (MLRA 103) region. Elevation averages about 1,182 feet.
Kossuth County averages 33.2 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 46.1°F.
Kossuth County's agricultural base centers on corn, hogs, and soybeans. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 1,342 farms working 584,543 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 13,054 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Hogs, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Sheep |
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 Kossuth County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
605 E State St, Algona, IA 50511
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 Kossuth County
Kossuth County reported 13,054 head of cattle across roughly 5,658 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows June green-up and a July growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Kossuth County.
Farm Structure in Kossuth County
Kossuth County reports about 506 acres under irrigation. Farms average 436 acres, with about 14% classed as small operations. Around 25% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Kossuth County
Kossuth County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, corn, and hogs. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for confined livestock operations, waste management and nutrient planning. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Kossuth County Operations
Based on Kossuth County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Wetland conservation programs balance agricultural productivity with waterfowl habitat preservation. Drainage management systems optimize crop production while protecting 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 Kossuth County
Kossuth County shares borders with Emmet County, Iowa, Hancock County, Iowa, Humboldt County, Iowa, Palo Alto County, Iowa, Pocahontas County, Iowa, and Winnebago 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 Kossuth County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Iowa guide: Iowa Farm Programs Guide
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