← Minnesota Farm Programs Guide
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: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 4+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 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.
Forage and Grazing in Goodhue County
Goodhue County reported 33,008 head of cattle across roughly 20,439 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows June 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 Goodhue County.
Farm Structure in Goodhue County
Irrigation covers about 1% of farmland in Goodhue County, roughly 6,154 acres. Farms average 300 acres, with about 23% classed as small operations. Around 23% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Goodhue County
Goodhue County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, corn, and milk. 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 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
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.