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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Benton County
Benton County lies in the Wisconsin and Minnesota Thin Loess and Till (MLRA 90A) region. Elevation averages about 1,110 feet.
Benton County averages 29.6 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 43.0°F.
Benton County's agricultural base centers on milk, corn, and cattle. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 687 farms working 134,358 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 35,337 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Minnesota |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Poultry, Corn, Vegetables, Cattle & calves, Soybeans |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 4+ 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 Benton County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
14 2nd Ave W, Foley, MN 56329
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 Benton County
Benton County reported 35,337 head of cattle across roughly 8,278 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 Benton County.
Farm Structure in Benton County
Irrigation covers about 14% of farmland in Benton County, roughly 19,429 acres. Farms average 196 acres, with about 24% classed as small operations. Around 18% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Benton County
With cattle and milk in the mix in Benton County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage (dairies); and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Benton County Operations
Based on Benton County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus on soil health improvement and water quality protection in the Mississippi River watershed. EQIP funding commonly supports dairy facility improvements and cropland conservation practices.
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 Benton County
Benton County shares borders with Mille Lacs County, Minnesota, Morrison County, Minnesota, Sherburne County, Minnesota, and Stearns County, Minnesota. 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 Benton County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Minnesota guide: Minnesota Farm Programs Guide
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