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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Steele County
Steele County is part of the Central Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies land resource region (MLRA 103). The county's mean elevation is about 1,182 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Steele County sees 35.6 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 44.5°F mean annual temperature.
Steele County carries 3,334 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 3,126 acres. 721 farms operate in the county, averaging 341 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Hogs, Soybeans, Poultry, Dairy, Cattle & calves |
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 Steele County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
235 Cedardale Dr SE, Owatonna, MN 55060
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 Steele County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Steele County greening up around June and peaking in July. The county carries about 3,126 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 Steele County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Steele County at an average farm size of 341 acres, 26% small operations, 23% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 2,337 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 Steele County
Given the operation mix in Steele County, the practices that most often come up are waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage for dairies; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and waste management and nutrient planning for confined livestock operations. 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 Steele County Operations
Based on Steele County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Livestock waste management programs ensure proper nutrient cycling between crops and animals. Soil health and water quality practices protect the productive agricultural resource base.
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 Steele County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Dodge County, Minnesota, Freeborn County, Minnesota, Mower County, Minnesota, Rice County, Minnesota, and Waseca County, Minnesota. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Steele 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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