← Minnesota Farm Programs Guide

Clay County, Minnesota

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

Flat glacial lake plain with heavy clay soils and the Red River forming the western boundary with North Dakota. The Buffalo River and other tributaries create subtle drainage patterns across the otherwise level landscape.

Large-scale grain production dominated by sugar beets, wheat, and soybeans adapted to heavy soils and flat terrain. Potato production on sandier areas and cattle operations utilizing crop residues and pastures complete the agricultural mix.

Quick Facts
RegionNorthwest Minnesota
Top CommoditiesCorn, Soybeans, Poultry, Wheat, Vegetables, Hogs
Farms & Ranches~480 (approx.)
Agricultural Land~560,000 acres
Average Farm Size~849 acres

Find Your Local USDA Offices

Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS and FSA under one roof.

Find your Service Center:

→ USDA Service Center Locator

Search for "Clay County" to find your local NRCS and FSA offices.

What to do when you call: Ask for a conservation planner (EQIP/CSP) or loan officer (FSA). Mention your operation type and planned improvements.

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 — 2 minutes, personalized action packet.

Local Conservation Priorities

EQIP applications addressing local priorities score higher in ranking.

We don't have Clay County's specific LWG priorities yet.

Ask your local NRCS office: "What are the priority resource concerns in Clay County?"

Your Next Steps in Clay County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Minnesota guide: Minnesota Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Free for everyone.