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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Clearwater County
Clearwater County sits within the Northern Minnesota Gray Drift (MLRA 57) region. Elevation averages about 1,483 feet.
Temperatures in Clearwater County range from a January mean low of -3°F to a July mean high near 79°F. Annual precipitation averages 24.9 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.
Clearwater County ran 404 farms, 159,856 acres of farmland, and 8,731 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwest Minnesota |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Soybeans, Corn, Horses, Hogs |
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 Clearwater County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
312 Main Ave N, Bagley, MN 56621
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 Clearwater County Operations
Based on Clearwater County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs emphasize grassland restoration and wildlife habitat improvement on marginal agricultural lands. CRP enrollments are extensive due to sandy soils that are better suited for grassland than intensive crop production.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Becker County, Minnesota, Beltrami County, Minnesota, Hubbard County, Minnesota, Mahnomen County, Minnesota, Pennington County, Minnesota, and Polk County, Minnesota. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Clearwater 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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