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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Iosco County
Elevation across Iosco County averages about 611 feet. The county falls within the Northern Michigan Limestone Lake Plains (MLRA 94C) land resource region.
The growing season in Iosco County spans roughly 244 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 31.7 inches per year. January lows average around 13°F while July highs reach about 80°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 221 farms in Iosco County, operating across 28,094 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 127 acres. Top commodities include milk, cattle, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeastern Lower Michigan |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries |
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 Iosco County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
190 M 55 W, Tawas City, MI 48763
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 Iosco County
The forage year in Iosco County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 2,919 acres of pastureland and 3,426 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Iosco County
About 21% of Iosco County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 29% of farms are small and 4% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 127 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Iosco County
With cattle and milk in the mix in Iosco County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage (dairies); and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground). 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 Iosco County Operations
Based on Iosco County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus on windbreak establishment and soil stabilization on highly erodible sandy soils. Technical assistance emphasizes irrigation system efficiency and nutrient management for specialty crops.
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 Iosco County: Alcona County, Michigan, Arenac County, Michigan, Huron County, Michigan, Ogemaw County, Michigan, and Oscoda County, Michigan. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Iosco 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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