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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Hennepin County
Elevation across Hennepin County averages about 981 feet. The county falls within the Central Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies (MLRA 103) land resource region.
The growing season in Hennepin County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 31.9 inches per year. January lows average around 6°F while July highs reach about 82°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 511 farms in Hennepin County, operating across 32,406 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 63 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, corn, and mushrooms.
Quick Facts
| Region | Twin Cities Metropolitan |
| Top Commodities | Floriculture, Soybeans, Corn, Dairy, Vegetables, Cattle & calves |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). 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 Hennepin County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
14855 Highway 10, Elk River, MN 55330
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
311 Brighton Ave S, Buffalo, MN 55313
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 Hennepin County
The forage year in Hennepin County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 2,454 acres of pastureland and 1,783 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Hennepin County
About 19% of Hennepin County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 59% of farms are small and 2% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 63 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Hennepin County
Hennepin County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, soybeans, and corn. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for dairies, waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage, and for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Hennepin County Operations
Based on Hennepin County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Urban agriculture initiatives and beginning farmer programs support local food systems and farm-to-table operations. Conservation efforts focus on protecting remaining farmland and implementing best practices near urban waterways.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Hennepin County: Anoka County, Minnesota, Carver County, Minnesota, Dakota County, Minnesota, Ramsey County, Minnesota, Scott County, Minnesota, and Sherburne County, Minnesota. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Hennepin 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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