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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Chippewa County
Chippewa County lies in the Rolling Till Prairie (MLRA 102A) region. Elevation averages about 1,021 feet.
Chippewa County averages 28.0 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 44.3°F.
Chippewa County's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and hogs. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 563 farms working 364,695 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 3,792 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | West Central Minnesota |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Sheep |
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 Chippewa County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
629 N 11th St, Montevideo, MN 56265
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 Chippewa County Operations
Based on Chippewa County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize nutrient management for large livestock operations and soil conservation on sloping lands. Water quality initiatives target the Minnesota River watershed with drainage management and buffer strip establishment.
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 Chippewa County
Chippewa County shares borders with Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, Lac qui Parle County, Minnesota, Renville County, Minnesota, Swift County, Minnesota, and Yellow Medicine 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 Chippewa 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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