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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Mackinac County
Mackinac County sits within the Michigan Eastern Upper Peninsula Sandy Glacial Deposits (MLRA 94B) region. Elevation averages about 847 feet.
Temperatures in Mackinac County range from a January mean low of 10°F to a July mean high near 76°F. Annual precipitation averages 33.6 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.
Mackinac County ran 88 farms, 19,050 acres of farmland, and 1,573 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, corn, and sheep.
Quick Facts
| Region | Upper Peninsula |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Sheep, Fruit & tree nuts, Maple syrup, 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 Mackinac County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2847 Ashmun St, Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783
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 Mackinac County Operations
Based on Mackinac County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs support local food systems development and sustainable tourism-related agriculture practices. Conservation efforts focus on protecting Straits of Mackinac water quality and maintaining scenic agricultural landscapes.
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 Charlevoix County, Michigan, Cheboygan County, Michigan, Chippewa County, Michigan, Emmet County, Michigan, Luce County, Michigan, and Presque Isle County, Michigan. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Mackinac 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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