← Minnesota Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Olmsted County
Elevation across Olmsted County averages about 1,211 feet. The county falls within the Upper Mississippi River Bedrock Controlled Uplands and Valleys (MLRA 105) land resource region.
The growing season in Olmsted County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 35.8 inches per year. January lows average around 6°F while July highs reach about 81°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,102 farms in Olmsted County, operating across 308,004 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 279 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and milk.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Dairy, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Olmsted County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1485 Industrial Dr NW, Rochester, MN 55901
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 Olmsted County
The forage year in Olmsted County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 12,289 acres of pastureland and 12,861 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Olmsted County
About 23% of Olmsted County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 27% of farms are small and 9% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 279 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Olmsted County
Given the operation mix in Olmsted County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage for dairies; and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground. 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 Olmsted County Operations
Based on Olmsted County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus on karst terrain protection and groundwater quality due to sensitive geology. Grazing management and erosion control on steep slopes are key priorities.
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 Olmsted County: Dodge County, Minnesota, Fillmore County, Minnesota, Goodhue County, Minnesota, Mower County, Minnesota, Wabasha County, Minnesota, and Winona County, Minnesota. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Olmsted County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Minnesota guide: Minnesota Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.