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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Alger County
Elevation across Alger County averages about 731 feet. The county falls within the Michigan Eastern Upper Peninsula Sandy Glacial Deposits (MLRA 94B) land resource region.
The growing season in Alger County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 35.0 inches per year. January lows average around 9°F while July highs reach about 77°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 95 farms in Alger County, operating across 18,945 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 199 acres. Top commodities include milk, corn, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Upper Peninsula |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Maple syrup, Fruit & tree nuts |
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 Alger County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
780 Commerce Dr, Marquette, MI 49855
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
2003 Minneapolis Ave, Gladstone, MI 49837
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 Alger County Operations
Based on Alger County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize sustainable forest management and wildlife habitat conservation. Support focuses on value-added processing of forest products and small-scale sustainable agriculture.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Alger County: Delta County, Michigan, Keweenaw County, Michigan, Luce County, Michigan, Marquette County, Michigan, and Schoolcraft County, Michigan. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Alger 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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