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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Leelanau County
Leelanau County is part of the Northwestern Michigan Fruit Belt land resource region (MLRA 96). The county's mean elevation is about 945 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Leelanau County sees 32.7 in of rain, a 244-day growing season, a 45.2°F mean annual temperature.
Leelanau County carries 320 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 2,490 acres. 500 farms operate in the county, averaging 114 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwestern Lower Michigan |
| Top Commodities | Fruit & tree nuts, Cattle & calves, Corn, Floriculture, Vegetables, Berries |
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 Leelanau County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1501 S Cass St Ste A, Traverse City, MI 49684
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 Leelanau County Operations
Based on Leelanau County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus on protecting Great Lakes water quality through sustainable viticulture and integrated pest management practices. Technical assistance emphasizes soil health improvement and climate-adaptive agriculture 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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Leelanau County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Antrim County, Michigan, Benzie County, Michigan, Charlevoix County, Michigan, Delta County, Michigan, Grand Traverse County, Michigan, and Schoolcraft County, Michigan. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Leelanau 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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