Kanabec County, Minnesota: USDA programs and conservation funding

531
Farms & Ranches
99K
Acres in Agriculture
187
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$3.3M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Soybeans, Cattle, Field Crops, Other
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Kanabec County, Minnesota has 531 farms working 99,182 agricultural acres (average 187 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $3.3 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 Kanabec County

Kanabec County sits within the Wisconsin and Minnesota Thin Loess and Till (MLRA 90A) region. Elevation averages about 1,049 feet.

Temperatures in Kanabec County range from a January mean low of 2°F to a July mean high near 80°F. Annual precipitation averages 31.2 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.

Kanabec County ran 531 farms, 99,182 acres of farmland, and 3,076 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, soybeans, and cattle.


Quick Facts

RegionEast Central Minnesota
Top CommoditiesCorn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Poultry, Vegetables, Wheat

Current Conditions

Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.

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 Kanabec County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

2008 Mahogany St, Mora, MN 55051

(320) 679-2080

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 Kanabec County Operations

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

Dairy farm modernization programs support improved manure management and facilities upgrades. Wetland and wildlife habitat conservation addresses the county's diverse ecosystems while maintaining agricultural productivity.

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

Bordering Counties

If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Aitkin County, Minnesota, Chisago County, Minnesota, Isanti County, Minnesota, Mille Lacs County, Minnesota, and Pine County, Minnesota. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Kanabec 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

CRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.34
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.87
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Kanabec 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.