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