← Minnesota Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Pipestone County
Pipestone County lies in the Prairie Coteau (MLRA 102D) region. Elevation averages about 1,749 feet.
Pipestone County averages 28.8 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 44.0°F.
Pipestone County's agricultural base centers on hogs, corn, and cattle. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 529 farms working 227,976 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 19,307 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest |
| Top Commodities | Hogs, Corn, Cattle & calves, Dairy, Soybeans, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 18+ 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 Pipestone County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
119 2nd Ave SW, Pipestone, MN 56164
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 Pipestone County
Pipestone County reported 19,307 head of cattle across roughly 20,876 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows June green-up and a July growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Pipestone County.
Farm Structure in Pipestone County
Irrigation covers about 2% of farmland in Pipestone County, roughly 4,800 acres. Farms average 431 acres, with about 21% classed as small operations. Around 20% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Pipestone County
Pipestone County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, hogs, and corn. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for dairies, waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage; and for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Pipestone County Operations
Based on Pipestone County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Livestock waste management programs ensure proper nutrient application on cropland. Prairie restoration and wetland conservation programs preserve native habitats within agricultural areas.
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 Pipestone County
Pipestone County shares borders with Lincoln County, Minnesota, Lyon County, Minnesota, Murray County, Minnesota, Rock County, Minnesota, Brookings County, South Dakota, and Minnehaha County, South Dakota. 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 Pipestone 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.