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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Scott County
Scott County lies in the Central Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies (MLRA 103) region. Elevation averages about 941 feet.
Scott County averages 32.9 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 45.4°F.
Scott County's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and milk. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 624 farms working 99,629 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 5,154 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Metro |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Dairy, Cattle & calves, Poultry, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Scott County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
7151 W 190th St, Jordan, MN 55352
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
430 3rd Street; Suite 250, Farmington, MN 55024
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 Scott County
Scott County reported 5,154 head of cattle across roughly 3,787 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows May 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 Scott County.
Farm Structure in Scott County
Scott County reports about 154 acres under irrigation. Farms average 160 acres, with about 44% classed as small operations. Around 21% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Scott County
Scott 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 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 Scott County Operations
Based on Scott County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus on maintaining agricultural land use despite development pressure. Water quality protection in the Minnesota River watershed drives nutrient management practices.
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 Scott County
Scott County shares borders with Carver County, Minnesota, Dakota County, Minnesota, Hennepin County, Minnesota, Le Sueur County, Minnesota, Rice County, Minnesota, and Sibley 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 Scott 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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