Le Sueur County, Minnesota: USDA programs and conservation funding

896
Farms & Ranches
206K
Acres in Agriculture
230
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$10.4M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Le Sueur County, Minnesota has 896 farms working 205,774 agricultural acres (average 230 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $10.4 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 Le Sueur County

Elevation across Le Sueur County averages about 1,068 feet. The county falls within the Central Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies (MLRA 103) land resource region.

The growing season in Le Sueur County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 33.3 inches per year. January lows average around 6°F while July highs reach about 82°F.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 896 farms in Le Sueur County, operating across 205,774 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 230 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and hogs.


Quick Facts

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

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 Le Sueur County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

181 W Minnesota St, Le Center, MN 56057

(507) 357-6858

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 Le Sueur County Operations

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

Water quality programs target the Minnesota River with emphasis on reducing nutrient runoff from intensive crop production. Soil health initiatives promote sustainable practices on the highly productive farmland while maintaining yields for processing contracts.

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 Le Sueur County: Blue Earth County, Minnesota, Nicollet County, Minnesota, Rice County, Minnesota, Scott County, Minnesota, Sibley County, Minnesota, and Waseca County, Minnesota. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.

Your Next Steps in Le Sueur 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 FencingEQIP Water DevelopmentCSPCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.28
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.91
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Le Sueur 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.