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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Dickinson County
Elevation across Dickinson County averages about 1,119 feet. The county falls within the Michigan Eastern Upper Peninsula Sandy Glacial Deposits (MLRA 94B) land resource region.
The growing season in Dickinson County spans roughly 184 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 30.6 inches per year. January lows average around 5°F while July highs reach about 79°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 133 farms in Dickinson County, operating across 19,463 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 146 acres. Top commodities include cattle and deer.
Quick Facts
| Region | Upper Peninsula |
| Top Commodities | Vegetables, Cattle & calves, Deer, Fruit & tree nuts, Poultry, Hogs |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Dickinson County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
420 N. Hooper St., Kingsford, MI 49802
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
E106 South Dr, Stephenson, MI 49887
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 Dickinson County
The forage year in Dickinson County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 1,584 acres of pastureland and 429 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Dickinson County
About 22% of Dickinson County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 27% of farms are small and 5% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 146 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Dickinson County
With cattle and grain in the mix in Dickinson County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and brush management (rangeland). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Dickinson County Operations
Based on Dickinson County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus on improving marginal agricultural lands through pasture renovation and soil amendment programs. Disaster assistance helps farmers cope with challenging weather conditions and short growing seasons.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Dickinson County: Iron County, Michigan, Marquette County, Michigan, Menominee County, Michigan, Florence County, Wisconsin, and Marinette County, Wisconsin. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Dickinson 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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