Kandiyohi County, Minnesota: USDA programs and conservation funding

1,252
Farms & Ranches
494K
Acres in Agriculture
395
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$23.8M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Milk, Soybeans, Hogs
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Kandiyohi County, Minnesota has 1,252 farms working 494,447 agricultural acres (average 395 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $23.8 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Milk. Vegetation typically peaks in Jun, defining the primary growing season.

← Minnesota Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Kandiyohi County

Kandiyohi County lies in the Central Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies (MLRA 103) region. Elevation averages about 1,183 feet.

Kandiyohi County averages 29.0 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 43.6°F.

Kandiyohi County's agricultural base centers on corn, milk, and soybeans. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 1,252 farms working 494,447 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 17,155 head.


Quick Facts

RegionWest Central Minnesota
Top CommoditiesCorn, Poultry, Dairy, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves

Current Conditions

Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.

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 Kandiyohi County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

1005 High Ave NE, Willmar, MN 56201

(320) 235-3540

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 Kandiyohi County Operations

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

Lake water quality protection drives conservation programs focusing on nutrient management and buffer strips around agricultural fields. Livestock waste management systems receive priority funding to protect the county's numerous recreational lakes.

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 Kandiyohi County

Kandiyohi County shares borders with Chippewa County, Minnesota, Meeker County, Minnesota, Pope County, Minnesota, Renville County, Minnesota, Stearns County, Minnesota, and Swift County, Minnesota. 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 Kandiyohi 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

EQIP FencingCRPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.29
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.61
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Kandiyohi 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.