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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Carlton County
Elevation across Carlton County averages about 1,279 feet. The county falls within the Wisconsin and Minnesota Thin Loess and Till (MLRA 90A) land resource region.
The growing season in Carlton County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 30.7 inches per year. January lows average around 0°F while July highs reach about 79°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 463 farms in Carlton County, operating across 125,420 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 271 acres. Top commodities include cattle, goats, and goats.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Minnesota |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Goats, Fruit & tree nuts, Vegetables, Corn, Berries |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 23+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Carlton County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
4850 Miller Trunk Hwy, Duluth, MN 55811
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 Carlton County Operations
Based on Carlton County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs support forest management practices and small-scale livestock operations adapted to challenging terrain. EQIP funding focuses on pasture improvement and livestock facilities in forest clearing settings.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Carlton County: Aitkin County, Minnesota, Pine County, Minnesota, St. Louis County, Minnesota, and Douglas County, Wisconsin. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Carlton 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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