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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Dodge County
Elevation across Dodge County averages about 1,296 feet. The county falls within the Eastern Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies (MLRA 104) land resource region.
The growing season in Dodge County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 35.7 inches per year. January lows average around 6°F while July highs reach about 81°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 614 farms in Dodge County, operating across 280,440 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 457 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and hogs.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Minnesota |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Dairy, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Dodge County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
916 2nd St SE, Dodge Center, MN 55927
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 Dodge County
The forage year in Dodge County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 3,387 acres of pastureland and 13,681 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Dodge County
About 25% of Dodge County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 28% of farms are small and 15% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 457 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Dodge County
Given the operation mix in Dodge County, the practices that most often come up are waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage for dairies; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and waste management and nutrient planning for confined livestock operations. 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 Dodge County Operations
Based on Dodge County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs address soil erosion control on steep slopes and groundwater protection in karst terrain. Nutrient management is critical due to the direct connection between surface agriculture and groundwater through sinkhole systems.
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 Dodge County: Goodhue County, Minnesota, Mower County, Minnesota, Olmsted County, Minnesota, Rice County, Minnesota, and Steele County, Minnesota. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Dodge 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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