Livingston County, Michigan: USDA programs and conservation funding

658
Farms & Ranches
86K
Acres in Agriculture
130
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$3.7M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Milk, Soybeans, Cattle
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Livingston County, Michigan has 658 farms working 85,787 agricultural acres (average 130 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $3.7 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Milk. Vegetation typically peaks in Jun, 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 Livingston County

Livingston County sits within the Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana Drift Plains (MLRA 98) region. Elevation averages about 929 feet.

Temperatures in Livingston County range from a January mean low of 16°F to a July mean high near 82°F. Annual precipitation averages 33.8 inches. Expect about 244 frost-free days.

Livingston County ran 658 farms, 85,787 acres of farmland, and 1,150 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, milk, and soybeans.


Quick Facts

RegionSoutheastern Michigan
Top CommoditiesCorn, Dairy, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts

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 Livingston County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

521 Okemos St, Mason, MI 48854

(517) 676-4644

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 Livingston County Operations

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

Farmland preservation programs work to maintain agricultural viability amid intense development pressure from metropolitan expansion. Conservation efforts focus on protecting Huron River watershed quality and supporting sustainable intensification on remaining farmland.

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 Genesee County, Michigan, Ingham County, Michigan, Jackson County, Michigan, Oakland County, Michigan, Shiawassee County, Michigan, and Washtenaw County, Michigan. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Livingston 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

0.34
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.61
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Livingston 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.