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Houston County, Minnesota

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

Houston County lies in the blufflands of southeastern Minnesota along the Mississippi River with steep wooded hillsides and narrow valleys. The Root River flows through the county creating scenic valleys surrounded by limestone bluffs and hardwood forests.

Agriculture utilizes the valley floors and gentler slopes for crop production while steeper areas support beef cattle grazing. Dairy farming remains important in the county with many farms taking advantage of the cooler climate and abundant pastureland in the coulees and valleys.

Quick Facts
RegionSoutheast Minnesota
Top CommoditiesDairy, Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Hogs, Horses
Farms & Ranches~520 (approx.)
Agricultural Land~220,000 acres
Average Farm Size~280 acres

Find Your Local USDA Offices

Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS and FSA under one roof.

Find your Service Center:

→ USDA Service Center Locator

Search for "Houston County" to find your local NRCS and FSA offices.

What to do when you call: Ask for a conservation planner (EQIP/CSP) or loan officer (FSA). Mention your operation type and planned improvements.

Programs for Houston County Operations

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

Conservation programs emphasize erosion control on steep slopes and water quality protection for the Root River system. Grazing management and streambank stabilization projects are priorities given the county's topography and watershed concerns.

Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener — 2 minutes, personalized action packet.

Local Conservation Priorities

EQIP applications addressing local priorities score higher in ranking.

We don't have Houston County's specific LWG priorities yet.

Ask your local NRCS office: "What are the priority resource concerns in Houston County?"

Your Next Steps in Houston 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

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