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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Lake of the Woods County
Lake of the Woods County is part of the Northern Minnesota Glacial Lake Basins land resource region (MLRA 88). The county's mean elevation is about 1,145 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Lake of the Woods County sees 24.7 in of rain, a 184-day growing season, a 38.3°F mean annual temperature.
Lake of the Woods County carries 1,142 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 6,486 acres. 186 farms operate in the county, averaging 588 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwest Minnesota |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Wheat, Barley, Corn, Poultry, Hogs |
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 Lake of the Woods 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 Lake of the Woods County Operations
Based on Lake of the Woods County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Wetland conservation and wildlife habitat programs dominate due to the county's extensive bog and forest ecosystems. Agricultural programs focus on maintaining the limited farming base and supporting grazing management in forest openings.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Lake of the Woods County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Beltrami County, Minnesota, Koochiching County, Minnesota, and Roseau County, Minnesota. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Lake of the Woods 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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