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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Goodhue County
Goodhue County lies in the Upper Mississippi River Bedrock Controlled Uplands and Valleys (MLRA 105) region. Elevation averages about 1,164 feet.
Goodhue County averages 34.7 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 44.8°F.
Goodhue County's agricultural base centers on corn, milk, and soybeans. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 1,406 farms working 421,698 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 33,008 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Minnesota |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Dairy, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Vegetables |
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 Goodhue County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
104 E 3rd Ave, Goodhue, MN 55027
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 Goodhue County Operations
Based on Goodhue County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs emphasize soil erosion control on sloping lands and water quality protection for the Mississippi River. Dairy facility improvements and nutrient management practices are prioritized to support the county's significant dairy industry.
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 Goodhue County
Goodhue County shares borders with Dakota County, Minnesota, Dodge County, Minnesota, Olmsted County, Minnesota, Rice County, Minnesota, Wabasha County, Minnesota, and Pepin County, Wisconsin. 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 Goodhue 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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