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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Stearns County
Elevation across Stearns County averages about 1,202 feet. The county falls within the Rolling Till Prairie (MLRA 102A) land resource region.
The growing season in Stearns County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 29.3 inches per year. January lows average around 3°F while July highs reach about 81°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 2,695 farms in Stearns County, operating across 643,463 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 239 acres. Top commodities include milk, corn, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Poultry, Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, 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 Stearns County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
110 2nd St S, Waite Park, MN 56387
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 Stearns County
The forage year in Stearns County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 30,938 acres of pastureland and 91,702 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Stearns County
About 20% of Stearns County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 19% of farms are small and 7% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 239 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Stearns County
Given the operation mix in Stearns County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage for dairies; and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Stearns County Operations
Based on Stearns County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Dairy-focused programs emphasize manure management and pasture improvement for the large dairy industry. Water quality protection around numerous lakes drives nutrient management and conservation 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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Stearns County: Benton County, Minnesota, Douglas County, Minnesota, Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, Meeker County, Minnesota, Morrison County, Minnesota, and Pope County, Minnesota. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Stearns 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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