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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Ontonagon County
Ontonagon County is part of the Superior Lake Plain land resource region (MLRA 92). The county's mean elevation is about 783 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Ontonagon County sees 33.5 in of rain, a 184-day growing season, a 40.8°F mean annual temperature.
Ontonagon County carries 1,046 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 3,058 acres. 97 farms operate in the county, averaging 255 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Upper Peninsula |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Sheep, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 7+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Ontonagon County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
16403 Ojibwa Industrial Park Rd, Baraga, MI 49908
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 Ontonagon County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Ontonagon County greening up around May and peaking in July. The county carries about 3,058 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Ontonagon County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Ontonagon County at an average farm size of 255 acres, 6% small operations, and 35% of producers aged 65 or older. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Ontonagon County
Given the operation mix in Ontonagon County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and brush management for rangeland. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Ontonagon County Operations
Based on Ontonagon County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus primarily on forest management and wildlife habitat enhancement. Limited agricultural activity emphasizes sustainable practices for extremely challenging growing 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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Ontonagon County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Gogebic County, Michigan, Houghton County, Michigan, Iron County, Michigan, Keweenaw County, Michigan, Cook County, Minnesota, and Ashland County, Wisconsin. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Ontonagon 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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