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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: 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 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.
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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