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Cass County, Michigan

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

Diverse topography ranges from level prairie soils to rolling hills with numerous small lakes scattered throughout. The Dowagiac River creates fertile bottomlands while sandy areas support specialized crops.

Corn and soybean production dominates the level areas, while fruit production including grapes and apples utilizes the well-drained slopes. Dairy operations and beef cattle provide livestock diversity to complement crop production.

Quick Facts
RegionSouthwest Michigan
Top CommoditiesCorn, Hogs, Soybeans, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Cattle & calves
Farms & Ranches~640 (approx.)
Agricultural Land~190,000 acres
Average Farm Size~297 acres

Find Your Local USDA Offices

Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS and FSA under one roof.

Find your Service Center:

→ USDA Service Center Locator

Search for "Cass County" to find your local NRCS and FSA offices.

What to do when you call: Ask for a conservation planner (EQIP/CSP) or loan officer (FSA). Mention your operation type and planned improvements.

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 — 2 minutes, personalized action packet.

Local Conservation Priorities

EQIP applications addressing local priorities score higher in ranking.

We don't have Cass County's specific LWG priorities yet.

Ask your local NRCS office: "What are the priority resource concerns in Cass County?"

Your Next Steps in Cass 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

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