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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Murray County
Elevation across Murray County averages about 1,578 feet. The county falls within the Central Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies (MLRA 103) land resource region.
The growing season in Murray County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 29.8 inches per year. January lows average around 6°F while July highs reach about 82°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 789 farms in Murray County, operating across 351,476 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 445 acres. Top commodities include corn, hogs, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Hogs, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Dairy, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 4+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
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 Murray County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2740 22nd St, Slayton, MN 56172
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.
Forage and Grazing in Murray County
The forage year in Murray County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 18,629 acres of pastureland and 18,339 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Murray County
About 29% of Murray County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 16% of farms are small and 18% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 445 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Murray County
Given the operation mix in Murray County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and waste management and nutrient planning for confined livestock operations. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Murray County Operations
Based on Murray County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus on soil health practices and water quality protection near Lake Shetek. Drainage management and cover crops are prioritized to reduce nutrient runoff.
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 Murray County: Cottonwood County, Minnesota, Lyon County, Minnesota, Nobles County, Minnesota, Pipestone County, Minnesota, Redwood County, Minnesota, and Rock County, Minnesota. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Murray 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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