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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Fillmore County
Fillmore County lies in the Upper Mississippi River Bedrock Controlled Uplands and Valleys (MLRA 105) region. Elevation averages about 1,062 feet.
Fillmore County averages 36.9 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 44.7°F.
Fillmore County's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and hogs. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 1,458 farms working 470,312 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 16,167 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Minnesota |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Dairy, Cattle & calves, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Fillmore County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
413 Farmers St NW, Preston, MN 55965
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 Fillmore County
Fillmore County reported 16,167 head of cattle across roughly 33,294 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a July growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Fillmore County.
Farm Structure in Fillmore County
Fillmore County reports about 642 acres under irrigation. Farms average 323 acres, with about 18% classed as small operations. Around 23% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Fillmore County
Fillmore County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, corn, and soybeans. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for dairies, waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for confined livestock operations, waste management and nutrient planning. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Fillmore County Operations
Based on Fillmore County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs address soil erosion on steep slopes and water quality protection in the karst landscape. Grazing management and riparian buffers are prioritized to protect trout streams and groundwater quality in the Root River watershed.
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
Counties Bordering Fillmore County
Fillmore County shares borders with Howard County, Iowa, Winneshiek County, Iowa, Houston County, Minnesota, Mower County, Minnesota, Olmsted County, Minnesota, and Winona County, Minnesota. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Fillmore 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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