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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Clay County
Clay County lies in the Glacial Lake Agassiz, Red River Valley (MLRA 56A) region. Elevation averages about 944 feet.
Clay County averages 25.0 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 41.7°F.
Clay County's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and wheat. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 655 farms working 556,161 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 5,549 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwest Minnesota |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Poultry, Wheat, Vegetables, Hogs |
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 Clay County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1615 30th Ave S, Moorhead, MN 56560
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 Clay County
Clay County reported 5,549 head of cattle across roughly 10,937 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows June 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 Clay County.
Farm Structure in Clay County
Irrigation covers about 1% of farmland in Clay County, roughly 2,899 acres. Farms average 849 acres, with about 14% classed as small operations. Around 19% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Clay County
Given the operation mix in Clay County, the practices that most often come up are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Clay County Operations
Based on Clay County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs address drainage management and soil health improvement on heavy clay soils prone to compaction. Disaster assistance is frequently utilized due to flooding risks in the Red River valley during spring snowmelt periods.
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 Clay County
Clay County shares borders with Becker County, Minnesota, Norman County, Minnesota, Otter Tail County, Minnesota, Wilkin County, Minnesota, Cass County, North Dakota, and Richland County, North Dakota. 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 Clay 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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