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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About McLeod County
McLeod County lies in the Central Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies (MLRA 103) region. Elevation averages about 1,027 feet.
McLeod County averages 29.3 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 44.5°F.
McLeod County's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and cattle. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 801 farms working 246,163 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 11,133 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Minnesota |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Dairy, Vegetables, Hogs |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 McLeod County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1103 Gruenhagen Drive, Glencoe, MN 55336
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 McLeod County Operations
Based on McLeod County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Lake water quality protection drives conservation efforts with focus on nutrient management and riparian buffers around agricultural fields. Dairy modernization programs support improved facilities and manure management systems to protect local water resources.
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 McLeod County
McLeod County shares borders with Carver County, Minnesota, Meeker County, Minnesota, Renville County, Minnesota, Sibley County, Minnesota, and Wright 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 McLeod 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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