Grant County, Minnesota: USDA programs and conservation funding

529
Farms & Ranches
339K
Acres in Agriculture
640
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$5.9M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Soybeans, Field Crops, Other, Cattle
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Grant County, Minnesota has 529 farms working 338,754 agricultural acres (average 640 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $5.9 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Soybeans. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Grant County

Grant County is part of the Rolling Till Prairie land resource region (MLRA 102A). The county's mean elevation is about 1,153 feet.

Based on 1991–2020 normals, Grant County sees 25.9 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 42.5°F mean annual temperature.

Grant County carries 496 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 4,820 acres. 529 farms operate in the county, averaging 640 acres each.


Quick Facts

RegionWest Central Minnesota
Top CommoditiesCorn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Horses, Poultry, Goats

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 Grant County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

710 Industrial Park Blvd, Elbow Lake, MN 56531

(218) 685-5341

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 Grant County Operations

Based on Grant County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Conservation programs focus heavily on wetland restoration and water quality protection around the county's numerous lakes. Soil health initiatives promote cover cropping and reduced tillage practices on the prairie farmland.

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

Nearby Counties

Operators in Grant County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Douglas County, Minnesota, Otter Tail County, Minnesota, Pope County, Minnesota, Stevens County, Minnesota, Traverse County, Minnesota, and Wilkin County, Minnesota. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Grant County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Minnesota guide: Minnesota Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

CRPEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.26
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.71
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Grant County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.