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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Iron County
Iron County sits within the Wisconsin and Minnesota Thin Loess and Till (MLRA 90A) region. Elevation averages about 1,598 feet.
Temperatures in Iron County range from a January mean low of 3°F to a July mean high near 78°F. Annual precipitation averages 31.8 inches. Expect about 184 frost-free days.
Iron County ran 114 farms, 19,704 acres of farmland, and 456 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cut christmas trees, cut christmas trees & short term woody trees, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Upper Peninsula |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Maple syrup, Sheep, Fruit & tree nuts, Corn, Hogs |
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 Iron 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.
Programs for Iron County Operations
Based on Iron County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs primarily focus on forest management and wildlife habitat enhancement on abandoned agricultural lands. Limited technical assistance available for small livestock operations and forage production improvement.
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 Baraga County, Michigan, Dickinson County, Michigan, Gogebic County, Michigan, Houghton County, Michigan, Marquette County, Michigan, and Ontonagon County, Michigan. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Iron 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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