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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Big Stone County
Big Stone County is part of the Rolling Till Prairie land resource region (MLRA 102A). The county's mean elevation is about 1,097 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Big Stone County sees 25.3 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 43.7°F mean annual temperature.
Big Stone County carries 2,543 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 7,128 acres. 392 farms operate in the county, averaging 673 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Western Minnesota |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Big Stone County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
990 Us Hwy 12, Ortonville, MN 56278
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 Big Stone County Operations
Based on Big Stone County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation efforts emphasize soil erosion control and water quality improvement in the Minnesota River watershed. Buffer strip programs along waterways are prioritized to reduce agricultural runoff into Big Stone Lake.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Big Stone County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Lac qui Parle County, Minnesota, Stevens County, Minnesota, Swift County, Minnesota, Traverse County, Minnesota, Grant County, South Dakota, and Roberts County, South Dakota. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Big Stone 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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