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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Van Buren County
Elevation across Van Buren County averages about 621 feet. The county falls within the Southwestern Michigan Fruit and Vegetable Crop Belt (MLRA 97) land resource region.
The growing season in Van Buren County spans roughly 244 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 38.1 inches per year. January lows average around 18°F while July highs reach about 83°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 838 farms in Van Buren County, operating across 131,486 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 157 acres. Top commodities include milk, corn, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Michigan |
| Top Commodities | Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Dairy, Corn, Vegetables, Soybeans |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Van Buren County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1035 E Michigan Ave, Paw Paw, MI 49079
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 Van Buren County
The forage year in Van Buren County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 2,970 acres of pastureland and 105 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Van Buren County
About 25% of Van Buren County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 38% of farms are small and 3% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 157 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Van Buren County
Van Buren County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were milk, grain, and corn. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for dairies, waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage, and for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Van Buren County Operations
Based on Van Buren County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Fruit growers utilize specialized conservation practices including pollinator habitat establishment and integrated pest management systems. Frost protection and irrigation efficiency programs are critical for the county's high-value fruit operations.
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 Van Buren County: Lake County, Illinois, Allegan County, Michigan, Berrien County, Michigan, Cass County, Michigan, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, and St. Joseph County, Michigan. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Van Buren 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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