← Michigan Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Cass County
Cass County is part of the Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana Drift Plains land resource region (MLRA 98). The county's mean elevation is about 911 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Cass County sees 39.2 in of rain, a 244-day growing season, a 49.2°F mean annual temperature.
Cass County carries 2,325 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 7,588 acres. 651 farms operate in the county, averaging 297 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Michigan |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Hogs, Soybeans, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Cattle & calves |
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 Cass County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1127 E State St, Cassopolis, MI 49031
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 Cass County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Cass County greening up around May and peaking in August. The county carries about 7,588 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 Cass County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Cass County at an average farm size of 297 acres, 33% small operations, 25% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 63,202 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 Cass County
Given the operation mix in Cass County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and waste management and nutrient planning for confined livestock operations. 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 Cass County Operations
Based on Cass County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Integrated crop-livestock systems receive support through grazing management and forage quality improvement programs. Water quality initiatives focus on protecting the numerous lakes and streams through strategic buffer placement.
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 Cass County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Elkhart County, Indiana, St. Joseph County, Indiana, Berrien County, Michigan, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, St. Joseph County, Michigan, and Van Buren County, Michigan. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Cass County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Michigan guide: Michigan Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.