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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Montmorency County
Elevation across Montmorency County averages about 942 feet. The county falls within the Northern Michigan Sandy Highlands (MLRA 94A) land resource region.
The growing season in Montmorency County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 29.5 inches per year. January lows average around 11°F while July highs reach about 80°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 103 farms in Montmorency County, operating across 20,347 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 198 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, corn, and deer.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northern Lower Peninsula |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Fruit & tree nuts, Deer, Poultry, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 Montmorency County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1900 M 32 W, Alpena, MI 49707
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 Montmorency County
The forage year in Montmorency County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 1,391 acres of pastureland and 728 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Montmorency County
About 27% of Montmorency County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 29% of farms are small and 8% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 198 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Montmorency County
With corn and soybeans in the mix in Montmorency County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are 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 Montmorency County Operations
Based on Montmorency County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Forest management and wildlife habitat enhancement are primary conservation focuses. Limited agricultural operations emphasize sustainable practices compatible with forest ecosystem management.
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 Montmorency County: Alcona County, Michigan, Alpena County, Michigan, Cheboygan County, Michigan, Crawford County, Michigan, Oscoda County, Michigan, and Otsego County, Michigan. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Montmorency 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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