Beltrami County, Minnesota: USDA programs and conservation funding

608
Farms & Ranches
173K
Acres in Agriculture
285
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$10.6M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Cattle, Soybeans, Grain, Field Crops, Other
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Beltrami County, Minnesota has 608 farms working 173,158 agricultural acres (average 285 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $10.6 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Cattle, Soybeans. Vegetation typically peaks in Aug, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Beltrami County

Beltrami County sits within the Northern Minnesota Glacial Lake Basins (MLRA 88) region. Elevation averages about 1,221 feet.

Temperatures in Beltrami County range from a January mean low of -4°F to a July mean high near 79°F. Annual precipitation averages 24.6 inches. Expect about 184 frost-free days.

Beltrami County ran 608 farms, 173,158 acres of farmland, and 9,629 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle and soybeans.


Quick Facts

RegionNorthern Minnesota
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Soybeans, Wheat, Corn, Vegetables, Floriculture

Current Conditions

Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-04-14

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 Beltrami County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

3217 Bemidji Ave N, Bemidji, MN 56601

(218) 751-1942

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.


Programs for Beltrami County Operations

Based on Beltrami County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Programs emphasize wetland conservation and grassland restoration on marginal agricultural lands. Livestock forage programs support grazing systems adapted to northern climate conditions and seasonal flooding.

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

Bordering Counties

If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Cass County, Minnesota, Clearwater County, Minnesota, Hubbard County, Minnesota, Itasca County, Minnesota, Koochiching County, Minnesota, and Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Beltrami County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Minnesota guide: Minnesota Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

CRPEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.13
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.56
Peak season (Aug)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Beltrami County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.