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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Redwood County
Elevation across Redwood County averages about 1,078 feet. The county falls within the Central Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies (MLRA 103) land resource region.
The growing season in Redwood County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 29.4 inches per year. January lows average around 6°F while July highs reach about 83°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,323 farms in Redwood County, operating across 560,222 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 423 acres. Top commodities include corn, hogs, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Hogs, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Poultry, Dairy |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Redwood County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1241 E Bridge St, Redwood Falls, MN 56283
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 Redwood County
The forage year in Redwood County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 3,803 acres of pastureland and 28,282 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Redwood County
About 20% of Redwood County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 16% of farms are small and 18% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 423 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Redwood County
Redwood County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, corn, and hogs. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for confined livestock operations, waste management and nutrient planning. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Redwood County Operations
Based on Redwood County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Water quality protection programs target the Minnesota River watershed with nutrient management practices. Erosion control and buffer strips are prioritized along waterways and drainage systems.
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 Redwood County: Brown County, Minnesota, Cottonwood County, Minnesota, Lyon County, Minnesota, Murray County, Minnesota, Renville County, Minnesota, and Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Redwood 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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