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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Macomb County
Macomb County lies in the Erie-Huron Lake Plain (MLRA 99) region. Elevation averages about 605 feet.
Macomb County averages 33.8 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 244 days. Annual mean temperature is 49.3°F.
Macomb County's agricultural base centers on soybeans, corn, and milk. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 457 farms working 79,326 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 1,801 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeastern Michigan |
| Top Commodities | Floriculture, Soybeans, Corn, Fruit & tree nuts, Vegetables, Dairy |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
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 Macomb County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2830 Wadhams Rd, Kimball, MI 48074
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.
Forage and Grazing in Macomb County
Macomb County reported 1,801 head of cattle across roughly 1,033 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a August growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Macomb County.
Farm Structure in Macomb County
Irrigation covers about 2% of farmland in Macomb County, roughly 1,842 acres. Farms average 174 acres, with about 40% classed as small operations. Around 21% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Macomb County
With cattle and milk in the mix in Macomb County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage (dairies); and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Macomb County Operations
Based on Macomb County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Urban agriculture initiatives and farmland preservation programs address rapid development pressure on remaining agricultural land. Conservation efforts focus on protecting Lake St. Clair water quality and supporting sustainable intensification of remaining farms.
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 Macomb County
Macomb County shares borders with Lapeer County, Michigan, Oakland County, Michigan, St. Clair County, Michigan, and Wayne 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 Macomb 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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