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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Renville County
Renville County is part of the Central Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies land resource region (MLRA 103). The county's mean elevation is about 1,101 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Renville County sees 29.4 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 44.7°F mean annual temperature.
Renville County carries 9,550 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 5,706 acres. 931 farms operate in the county, averaging 672 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Poultry, Vegetables |
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 Renville County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1008 W Lincoln Ave, Olivia, MN 56277
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 Renville County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Renville County greening up around June and peaking in August. The county carries about 5,706 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Renville County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Renville County at an average farm size of 672 acres, 14% small operations, 20% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 1,935 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Renville County
Renville County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, corn, and soybeans. 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 Renville County Operations
Based on Renville County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Minnesota River water quality improvement drives conservation programs with focus on nutrient management. Wetland restoration and buffer strips are emphasized to reduce agricultural runoff.
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 Renville County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Brown County, Minnesota, Chippewa County, Minnesota, Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, McLeod County, Minnesota, Meeker County, Minnesota, and Nicollet County, Minnesota. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Renville 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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