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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Stevens County
Elevation across Stevens County averages about 1,114 feet. The county falls within the Rolling Till Prairie (MLRA 102A) land resource region.
The growing season in Stevens County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 26.1 inches per year. January lows average around 2°F while July highs reach about 82°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 500 farms in Stevens County, operating across 330,936 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 662 acres. Top commodities include corn, hogs, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | West Central |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Hogs, Soybeans, Wheat, Horses, Vegetables |
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 Stevens County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
12 Highway 28 East, Morris, MN 56267
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 Stevens County
The forage year in Stevens County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in August (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 5,002 acres of pastureland and 5,961 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Stevens County
About 24% of Stevens County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 16% of farms are small and 19% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 662 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Stevens County
Stevens County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, corn, and hogs. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — 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 Stevens County Operations
Based on Stevens County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Lake water quality protection emphasizes nutrient management and buffer strips around Big Stone Lake. Grazing management and wetland conservation programs support diverse agricultural operations.
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 Stevens County: Big Stone County, Minnesota, Douglas County, Minnesota, Grant County, Minnesota, Pope County, Minnesota, Swift County, Minnesota, and Traverse County, Minnesota. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Stevens 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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