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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Martin County
Martin County is part of the Central Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies land resource region (MLRA 103). The county's mean elevation is about 1,220 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Martin County sees 31.8 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 45.4°F mean annual temperature.
Martin County carries 3,769 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 2,465 acres. 823 farms operate in the county, averaging 552 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Minnesota |
| Top Commodities | Hogs, Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Dairy |
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 Martin County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
923 N State St, Fairmont, MN 56031
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 Martin County Operations
Based on Martin County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Lake water quality protection emphasizes nutrient management and buffer strips around the county's numerous recreational lakes. Soil conservation programs promote sustainable practices on the intensively farmed prairie landscape while maintaining high 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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Martin County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Emmet County, Iowa, Kossuth County, Iowa, Blue Earth County, Minnesota, Faribault County, Minnesota, Jackson County, Minnesota, and Watonwan County, Minnesota. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Martin 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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