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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Cottonwood County
Cottonwood County is part of the Central Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies land resource region (MLRA 103). The county's mean elevation is about 1,464 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Cottonwood County sees 30.9 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 44.8°F mean annual temperature.
Cottonwood County carries 11,641 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 5,611 acres. 742 farms operate in the county, averaging 529 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Minnesota |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Hogs, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Poultry, Dairy |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Cottonwood County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
339 9th St, Windom, MN 56101
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 Cottonwood County Operations
Based on Cottonwood County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize precision agriculture and nutrient management for large-scale crop and livestock operations. Soil health initiatives promote cover crops and reduced tillage practices on highly productive but erosion-prone soils.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Cottonwood County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Brown County, Minnesota, Jackson County, Minnesota, Murray County, Minnesota, Nobles County, Minnesota, Redwood County, Minnesota, and Watonwan County, Minnesota. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Cottonwood 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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