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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Midland County
Elevation across Midland County averages about 637 feet. The county falls within the Erie-Huron Lake Plain (MLRA 99) land resource region.
The growing season in Midland County spans roughly 244 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 32.3 inches per year. January lows average around 16°F while July highs reach about 83°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 549 farms in Midland County, operating across 86,940 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 158 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, corn, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Central Michigan |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Wheat, Poultry |
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 Midland County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
954 E Isabella Rd, Midland, MI 48640
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 Midland County
The forage year in Midland County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 2,864 acres of pastureland and 4,432 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Midland County
About 21% of Midland County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 46% of farms are small and 7% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 158 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Midland County
Midland County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, soybeans, and corn. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Midland County Operations
Based on Midland County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Row crop operations focus on nutrient management and cover crop adoption through CSP. Drainage system improvements and precision agriculture practices are supported through EQIP funding.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Midland County: Bay County, Michigan, Clare County, Michigan, Gladwin County, Michigan, Gratiot County, Michigan, Isabella County, Michigan, and Saginaw County, Michigan. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Midland 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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