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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Koochiching County
Elevation across Koochiching County averages about 1,201 feet. The county falls within the Northern Minnesota Glacial Lake Basins (MLRA 88) land resource region.
The growing season in Koochiching County spans roughly 184 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 26.9 inches per year. January lows average around -5°F while July highs reach about 78°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 190 farms in Koochiching County, operating across 60,919 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 321 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, cattle, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central Minnesota |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Corn, Poultry, Hogs |
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 Koochiching County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
119 1st Avenue NW, Baudette, MN 56623
This county also has 1 additional FSA office. View all offices
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 Koochiching County Operations
Based on Koochiching County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs focus on wildlife habitat enhancement and forest management rather than traditional agricultural conservation. Support for small-scale and beginning farmers helps maintain the limited agricultural base in this forest-dominated region.
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 Koochiching County: Beltrami County, Minnesota, Itasca County, Minnesota, Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota, and St. Louis County, Minnesota. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Koochiching 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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