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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: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 6+ 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 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.
Forage and Grazing in Carlton County
The forage year in Carlton County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 12,237 acres of pastureland and 4,427 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Carlton County
About 22% of Carlton County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 16% of farms are small and 3% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 271 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Carlton County
Carlton County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, goats, and goats. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
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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