Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Winneshiek County
Winneshiek County is part of the Upper Mississippi River Bedrock Controlled Uplands and Valleys land resource region (MLRA 105). The county's mean elevation is about 1,113 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Winneshiek County sees 38.1 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 45.5°F mean annual temperature.
Winneshiek County carries 38,105 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 17,545 acres. 1,459 farms operate in the county, averaging 256 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Dairy, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Fruit & tree nuts |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 Winneshiek County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2296 Oil Well Rd, Decorah, IA 52101
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 Winneshiek County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Winneshiek County greening up around June and peaking in July. The county carries about 17,545 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Winneshiek County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Winneshiek County at an average farm size of 256 acres, 18% small operations, 27% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 201 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Winneshiek County
Given the operation mix in Winneshiek County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage for dairies; and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Winneshiek County Operations
Based on Winneshiek County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs prioritize protecting the unique bluff country ecosystem through erosion control and stream protection along trout waters. Sustainable and organic farming practices are emphasized to maintain the environmental quality that supports tourism and specialty agricultural markets.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Winneshiek County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Allamakee County, Iowa, Chickasaw County, Iowa, Clayton County, Iowa, Fayette County, Iowa, Howard County, Iowa, and Fillmore County, Minnesota. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Winneshiek 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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