Kalamazoo County, Michigan: USDA programs and conservation funding

607
Farms & Ranches
145K
Acres in Agriculture
239
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$7.3M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Milk, Soybeans, Hogs
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Kalamazoo County, Michigan has 607 farms working 145,225 agricultural acres (average 239 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $7.3 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Milk. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Kalamazoo County

Kalamazoo County lies in the Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana Drift Plains (MLRA 98) region. Elevation averages about 843 feet.

Kalamazoo County averages 37.0 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 244 days. Annual mean temperature is 48.8°F.

Kalamazoo County's agricultural base centers on corn, milk, and soybeans. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 607 farms working 145,225 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 3,853 head.


Quick Facts

RegionSouthwestern Michigan
Top CommoditiesFloriculture, Corn, Dairy, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves

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 Kalamazoo County.

NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)

5950 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002

(269) 382-5121

FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)

693 E Main St, Centreville, MI 49032

(269) 467-6336

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 Kalamazoo County Operations

Based on Kalamazoo County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Conservation programs emphasize protecting Kalamazoo River water quality through precision irrigation and integrated pest management. Technical assistance supports sustainable specialty crop production and urban agriculture development.

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

Counties Bordering Kalamazoo County

Kalamazoo County shares borders with Allegan County, Michigan, Barry County, Michigan, Branch County, Michigan, Calhoun County, Michigan, Cass County, Michigan, and St. Joseph County, Michigan. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.

Your Next Steps in Kalamazoo County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Michigan guide: Michigan Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP FencingEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.28
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.53
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Kalamazoo County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.