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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Houghton County
Elevation across Houghton County averages about 1,005 feet. The county falls within the Superior Stony and Rocky Loamy Plains and Hills (MLRA 93B) land resource region.
The growing season in Houghton County spans roughly 184 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 30.6 inches per year. January lows average around 7°F while July highs reach about 77°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 187 farms in Houghton County, operating across 25,808 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 138 acres. Top commodities include cattle and maple syrup.
Quick Facts
| Region | Upper Peninsula |
| Top Commodities | Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Cattle & calves, Maple syrup, Grain sorghum, Floriculture |
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 Houghton County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
16403 Ojibwa Industrial Park Rd, Baraga, MI 49908
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 Houghton County Operations
Based on Houghton County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs focus on wildlife habitat development and forest edge management on abandoned agricultural land. Limited technical assistance available for small-scale vegetable production and season extension techniques.
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 Houghton County: Baraga County, Michigan, Iron County, Michigan, Keweenaw County, Michigan, Marquette County, Michigan, and Ontonagon County, Michigan. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Houghton 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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