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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Cook County
Elevation across Cook County averages about 873 feet. The county falls within the Superior and Rainy Stony and Rocky Till Plains and Moraines (MLRA 93A) land resource region.
The growing season in Cook County spans roughly 184 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 30.3 inches per year. January lows average around -2°F while July highs reach about 74°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 25 farms in Cook County, operating across 1,940 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 78 acres. Top commodities include cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Minnesota |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 7+ 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 Cook County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
4850 Miller Trunk Hwy, Duluth, MN 55811
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
1202 8th St S, Virginia, MN 55792
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 Cook County
The forage year in Cook County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 132 acres of pastureland and 49 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Cook County
About 15% of Cook County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 22% of farms here are small operations. The average farm runs 78 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Cook County
Given the operation mix in Cook County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and brush management for rangeland. 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 Cook County Operations
Based on Cook County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs support small-scale sustainable agriculture and specialty crop production adapted to challenging climate conditions. Beginning farmer initiatives focus on local food systems and value-added enterprises serving the tourism economy.
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 Cook County: Keweenaw County, Michigan, Ontonagon County, Michigan, Lake County, Minnesota, and Ashland County, Wisconsin. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Cook 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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