Baraga County, Michigan: USDA programs and conservation funding

78
Farms & Ranches
17K
Acres in Agriculture
215
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$883K
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Grain, Field Crops, Other, Sheep, Honey
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Baraga County, Michigan has 78 farms working 16,773 agricultural acres (average 215 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $0.9 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Grain, Field Crops, Other. Vegetation typically peaks in Jun, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Baraga County

Baraga County sits within the Superior Stony and Rocky Loamy Plains and Hills (MLRA 93B) region. Elevation averages about 1,462 feet.

Temperatures in Baraga County range from a January mean low of 6°F to a July mean high near 77°F. Annual precipitation averages 32.9 inches. Expect about 184 frost-free days.

Baraga County ran 78 farms, 16,773 acres of farmland, and 606 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, sheep, and honey.


Quick Facts

RegionUpper Peninsula
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Sheep, Poultry, Floriculture, Fruit & tree nuts, Honey

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 Baraga County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

16403 Ojibwa Industrial Park Rd, Baraga, MI 49908

(906) 353-8225

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 Baraga County Operations

Based on Baraga County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Conservation programs emphasize forest stewardship and wildlife habitat enhancement on marginal agricultural lands. Beginning farmer support focuses on sustainable practices adapted to challenging northern conditions.

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

Bordering Counties

If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Houghton County, Michigan, Iron County, Michigan, and Marquette County, Michigan. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Baraga County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Michigan guide: Michigan Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

CSP

Vegetation Baseline

0.33
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.92
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Baraga County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.