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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Alcona County
Alcona County is part of the Northern Michigan Sandy Highlands land resource region (MLRA 94A). The county's mean elevation is about 629 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Alcona County sees 31.0 in of rain, a 244-day growing season, a 44.3°F mean annual temperature.
Alcona County carries 1,131 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 1,505 acres. 199 farms operate in the county, averaging 175 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northern Lower Peninsula |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Fruit & tree nuts, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Berries |
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 Alcona County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
190 M 55 W, Tawas City, MI 48763
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
1900 M 32 W, Alpena, MI 49707
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 Alcona County Operations
Based on Alcona County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus on forest edge management and wildlife habitat enhancement. Beginning farmer initiatives support diversification into agritourism and specialty forest products.
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 Alcona County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Alpena County, Michigan, Iosco County, Michigan, Montmorency County, Michigan, Ogemaw County, Michigan, and Oscoda County, Michigan. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Alcona County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Michigan guide: Michigan Farm Programs Guide
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