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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Washtenaw County
Washtenaw County lies in the Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana Drift Plains (MLRA 98) region. Elevation averages about 961 feet.
Washtenaw County averages 33.7 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 244 days. Annual mean temperature is 48.4°F.
Washtenaw County's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and milk. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 1,255 farms working 177,064 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 8,966 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Michigan |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Dairy, Floriculture, Cattle & calves, Wheat |
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 Washtenaw County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
7203 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
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 Washtenaw County
Washtenaw County reported 8,966 head of cattle across roughly 6,613 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 Washtenaw County.
Farm Structure in Washtenaw County
Irrigation covers about 4% of farmland in Washtenaw County, roughly 6,544 acres. Farms average 141 acres, with about 47% classed as small operations. Around 20% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Washtenaw County
Given the operation mix in Washtenaw County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage for dairies; and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground. 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 Washtenaw County Operations
Based on Washtenaw County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Urban-edge farming operations focus on buffer strips and nutrient management to protect water quality in the Huron River watershed. Beginning farmer programs support new producers entering direct market and sustainable agriculture enterprises.
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 Washtenaw County
Washtenaw County shares borders with Jackson County, Michigan, Lenawee County, Michigan, Livingston County, Michigan, Monroe County, Michigan, Oakland County, Michigan, and Wayne 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 Washtenaw 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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