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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Crawford County
Crawford County sits within the Northern Michigan Sandy Highlands (MLRA 94A) region. Elevation averages about 1,138 feet.
Temperatures in Crawford County range from a January mean low of 11°F to a July mean high near 80°F. Annual precipitation averages 32.9 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.
Crawford County ran 29 farms, 1,230 acres of farmland, and 86 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cut christmas trees and cut christmas trees & short term woody trees.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northern Lower Peninsula |
| Top Commodities | Poultry |
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 Crawford County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
810 S. Otsego Rd., Gaylord, MI 49735
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
240 W Wright St, West Branch, MI 48661
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 Crawford County Operations
Based on Crawford County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Forest management programs integrate agricultural and forestry practices for sustainable land use and wildlife habitat. Conservation initiatives focus on riparian protection along the Au Sable River system.
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 Antrim County, Michigan, Kalkaska County, Michigan, Missaukee County, Michigan, Montmorency County, Michigan, Ogemaw County, Michigan, and Oscoda County, Michigan. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Crawford 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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