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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Dakota County
Dakota County is part of the Eastern Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies land resource region (MLRA 104). The county's mean elevation is about 859 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Dakota County sees 33.0 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 45.4°F mean annual temperature.
Dakota County carries 18,433 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 4,503 acres. 841 farms operate in the county, averaging 248 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Twin Cities Metro |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Vegetables, Dairy, Floriculture |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 Dakota County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
430 3rd Street; Suite 250, Farmington, MN 55024
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 Dakota County Operations
Based on Dakota County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize sustainable practices for intensive operations and farmland preservation initiatives near urban areas. Water quality protection for the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers is prioritized through nutrient management and buffer programs.
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 Dakota County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Goodhue County, Minnesota, Hennepin County, Minnesota, Ramsey County, Minnesota, Rice County, Minnesota, Scott County, Minnesota, and Washington County, Minnesota. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Dakota 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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