← Minnesota Farm Programs Guide
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: 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 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.
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
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.