← Minnesota Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Pennington County
Pennington County lies in the Glacial Lake Agassiz, Tallgrass Aspen Parklands (MLRA 56B) region. Elevation averages about 1,137 feet.
Pennington County averages 22.5 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 39.4°F.
Pennington County's agricultural base centers on soybeans, wheat, and corn. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 322 farms working 258,956 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 3,474 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwest |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Wheat, Corn, Cattle & calves, Barley, Vegetables |
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 Pennington County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
201 Sherwood Ave S, Thief River Falls, MN 56701
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 Pennington County Operations
Based on Pennington County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Drainage management and flood mitigation programs are critical due to the flat terrain and periodic flooding. Soil erosion control addresses wind erosion on exposed fields during spring planting.
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 Pennington County
Pennington County shares borders with Beltrami County, Minnesota, Clearwater County, Minnesota, Marshall County, Minnesota, Polk County, Minnesota, and Red Lake 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 Pennington 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.