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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Marquette County
Marquette County lies in the Superior Stony and Rocky Loamy Plains and Hills (MLRA 93B) region. Elevation averages about 963 feet.
Marquette County averages 32.6 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 184 days. Annual mean temperature is 40.5°F.
Marquette County's agricultural base centers on deer, cattle, and hogs. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 212 farms working 34,930 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 571 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Upper Peninsula |
| Top Commodities | Vegetables, Deer, Cattle & calves, Poultry, Fruit & tree nuts, Floriculture |
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 Marquette County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
780 Commerce Dr, Marquette, MI 49855
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
2003 Minneapolis Ave, Gladstone, MI 49837
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 Marquette County
Marquette County reported 571 head of cattle across roughly 6,169 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows May green-up and a July 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 Marquette County.
Farm Structure in Marquette County
Marquette County reports about 62 acres under irrigation. Farms average 165 acres, with about 27% classed as small operations. Around 24% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Marquette County
With cattle and field crops, other in the mix in Marquette County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and waste management and nutrient planning (confined livestock operations). 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 Marquette County Operations
Based on Marquette County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs focus on wildlife habitat enhancement and forest management practices. Limited agricultural activity emphasizes sustainable practices for harsh climate conditions.
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 Marquette County
Marquette County shares borders with Alger County, Michigan, Baraga County, Michigan, Delta County, Michigan, Dickinson County, Michigan, Houghton County, Michigan, and Iron 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 Marquette 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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