Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Winnebago County
Winnebago County lies in the Central Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies (MLRA 103) region. Elevation averages about 1,248 feet.
Winnebago County averages 34.5 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 45.4°F.
Winnebago County's agricultural base centers on corn, hogs, and soybeans. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 548 farms working 197,720 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 2,659 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Hogs, Soybeans, Berries, Fruit & tree nuts, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Winnebago County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
173 1st Ave, Thompson, IA 50478
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 Winnebago County Operations
Based on Winnebago County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus on wetland preservation and water quality protection in this intensively cropped region with numerous natural lakes. Nutrient management and wetland restoration help balance high agricultural productivity with environmental protection and wildlife habitat.
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 Winnebago County
Winnebago County shares borders with Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, Hancock County, Iowa, Kossuth County, Iowa, Worth County, Iowa, Faribault County, Minnesota, and Freeborn County, Minnesota. 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 Winnebago County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Iowa guide: Iowa Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.