← Minnesota Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Sherburne County
Elevation across Sherburne County averages about 975 feet. The county falls within the Wisconsin and Minnesota Sandy Outwash (MLRA 91) land resource region.
The growing season in Sherburne County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 30.4 inches per year. January lows average around 4°F while July highs reach about 81°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 494 farms in Sherburne County, operating across 85,044 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 172 acres. Top commodities include corn, cattle, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central |
| Top Commodities | Vegetables, Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Floriculture, Hogs |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 4+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Sherburne County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
14855 Highway 10, Elk River, MN 55330
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 Sherburne County
The forage year in Sherburne County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 4,732 acres of pastureland and 6,387 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Sherburne County
About 18% of Sherburne County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 39% of farms are small and 6% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 172 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Sherburne County
Sherburne County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, corn, and cattle. 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 Sherburne County Operations
Based on Sherburne County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Water quality protection programs emphasize lake and wetland conservation with nutrient management. Wildlife habitat programs complement agricultural operations in this diverse landscape.
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 Sherburne County: Anoka County, Minnesota, Benton County, Minnesota, Hennepin County, Minnesota, Isanti County, Minnesota, Mille Lacs County, Minnesota, and Stearns County, Minnesota. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Sherburne County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Minnesota guide: Minnesota Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.