Minnesota Farm Programs: Dairy Waste, Cover Crops & Wetland Restoration

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

Quick Facts

Federal Programs in Minnesota

Federal programs like EQIP, CSP, and FSA loans are available nationwide, but how they work in practice varies by state , each state sets its own EQIP priorities, ranking criteria, and application deadlines. Below is how the federal programs apply specifically in Minnesota. For full details on any program, read the federal program guides.

EQIP in Minnesota

Minnesota EQIP Priorities:

• Water quality (Mississippi River and Great Lakes)
• Soil health on cropland
• Grazing management
• Livestock waste management (dairy and hog)
• Wildlife habitat , Prairie Pothole Region
• Cover crops and drainage management

Livestock-Specific Practices Commonly Funded:

• Cross-fencing for rotational grazing
• Livestock water development
• Prescribed grazing systems
• Waste management systems
• Heavy use area protection
• Nutrient management
• Windbreak establishment

EQIP in Minnesota , What to Ask About: Minnesota participates in the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), which provides dedicated EQIP funding for water quality practices in priority watersheds in the Lake Superior region. For livestock operations, EQIP can assist with nutrient management, waste storage, prescribed grazing, and fencing. Minnesota's prairie pothole region is also important for waterfowl habitat, and EQIP can assist with grassland and wetland buffer practices. Ask your local NRCS office which GLRI priority watersheds and other initiatives apply to your area.

Minnesota EQIP payment schedules: Available on the Minnesota NRCS website.

→ Read the full EQIP guide

CSP in Minnesota

CSP rewards producers for conservation practices already in place and pays for new enhancements. Well-managed operations with rotational grazing, maintained fencing, and conservation practices are strong candidates.

→ Read the full CSP guide

FSA Programs in Minnesota

Current Disaster Designations: Check farmers.gov/protection-recovery for current drought and disaster designations in Minnesota.

Key FSA Programs:

• Direct and Guaranteed Farm Ownership and Operating Loans
• Microloans (up to $50,000 , simplified application)
• Emergency Farm Loans (for designated disaster areas)
• Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) : Flooding, blizzard, drought, and severe storm losses
• ELAP , covers drought-related grazing losses and emergency costs
• Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) : triggered by drought monitor conditions

Minnesota FSA State Office: (651) 602-7700

Minnesota-Specific Programs

Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR)

Minnesota has 90 Soil and Water Conservation Districts. BWSR coordinates state conservation programs including cost-share.

Website: bwsr.state.mn.us

Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP)

Voluntary certification program that provides regulatory certainty for 10 years in exchange for meeting water quality standards. Can strengthen EQIP applications.

Minnesota Cattlemen's Association

Website: mncattle.org

Minnesota Tax Provisions for Ag

• Agricultural Property Tax (Green Acres): Agricultural land is assessed based on agricultural productivity. Minnesota also has a Rural Preserve program for land near urban areas.
• State Income Tax: Progressive rates, top rate 9.85% (among the highest). Farm income is subject to state tax.
• Sales Tax Exemptions: Farm equipment, livestock, feed, and agricultural inputs are exempt from Minnesota sales tax.
• Beginning Farmer Tax Credit: Minnesota offers tax credits for asset owners who rent or sell to beginning farmers.

RCPP in Minnesota

The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) funds conservation projects through partnerships between NRCS and local organizations. RCPP projects vary by state and year — check with your local NRCS office or visit the RCPP page for current projects in your area.

ACEP in Minnesota

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) helps landowners protect farmland and wetlands through conservation easements. Two components: Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) protect working farmland, and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) restore and protect wetlands. Contact your local NRCS office for current enrollment.

Resources

USDA Offices

• Find your local USDA Service Center: farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator

State Resources

• University of Minnesota Extension: extension.umn.edu
• Minnesota Cattlemen's Association: mncattle.org
• Minnesota Farm Bureau: fbmn.org

Key Deadlines (FY2026)

Dates are approximate and subject to change. Always confirm with your local NRCS/FSA office.

Your Next Steps in Minnesota

1. Run our eligibility screener to see your personalized program list: Take the eligibility screener
2. Find your local USDA Service Center: farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator
3. Read the federal program guides for programs you're interested in: EQIP · CSP · Beginning Farmer · Disaster Assistance
4. MAWQCP certification provides 10 years of regulatory certainty and strengthens EQIP applications
5. Minnesota's beginning farmer tax credit benefits both new farmers and the landowners who rent to them

Tools for Minnesota Ranchers

Run the numbers before your next USDA visit. Each tool takes 2–3 minutes.

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