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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Barry County
Barry County lies in the Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana Drift Plains (MLRA 98) region. Elevation averages about 864 feet.
Barry County averages 37.7 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 244 days. Annual mean temperature is 48.2°F.
Barry County's agricultural base centers on milk, corn, and soybeans. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 897 farms working 143,772 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 22,041 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Michigan |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Horses, 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 Barry County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1611 S Hanover St, Hastings, MI 49058
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 Barry County Operations
Based on Barry County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Nutrient management programs protect water quality in the numerous lakes and streams throughout the county. Conservation stewardship focuses on maintaining soil health while optimizing crop rotation systems.
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 Barry County
Barry County shares borders with Allegan County, Michigan, Calhoun County, Michigan, Eaton County, Michigan, Ionia County, Michigan, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, and Kent County, Michigan. 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 Barry 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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