← Minnesota Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Otter Tail County
Otter Tail County sits within the Northern Minnesota Gray Drift (MLRA 57) region. Elevation averages about 1,326 feet.
Temperatures in Otter Tail County range from a January mean low of 0°F to a July mean high near 80°F. Annual precipitation averages 26.7 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.
Otter Tail County ran 2,497 farms, 770,922 acres of farmland, and 24,511 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, soybeans, and milk.
Quick Facts
| Region | West Central |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Poultry, Soybeans, Dairy, Cattle & calves, Vegetables |
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 Otter Tail County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
506 Western Ave N, Fergus Falls, MN 56537
This county also has 1 additional NRCS and 1 additional FSA offices. View all offices
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 Otter Tail County Operations
Based on Otter Tail County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Water quality protection programs are extensive due to the high density of lakes and wetlands. Grazing management and riparian buffers are prioritized to protect aquatic 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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Becker County, Minnesota, Clay County, Minnesota, Douglas County, Minnesota, Grant County, Minnesota, Todd County, Minnesota, and Wadena County, Minnesota. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Otter Tail 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.