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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Pope County
Pope County is part of the Rolling Till Prairie land resource region (MLRA 102A). The county's mean elevation is about 1,259 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Pope County sees 27.5 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 42.6°F mean annual temperature.
Pope County carries 10,147 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 20,229 acres. 821 farms operate in the county, averaging 378 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | West Central |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Dairy, 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 Pope County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1680 Franklin St N, Glenwood, MN 56334
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 Pope County Operations
Based on Pope County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Lake water quality protection drives conservation programs with emphasis on nutrient management. Grazing management around lakes and wetland restoration are key conservation 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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Pope County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Douglas County, Minnesota, Grant County, Minnesota, Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, Stearns County, Minnesota, Stevens County, Minnesota, and Swift County, Minnesota. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Pope 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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