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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Todd County
Todd County lies in the Northern Minnesota Gray Drift (MLRA 57) region. Elevation averages about 1,332 feet.
Todd County averages 28.4 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 41.7°F.
Todd County's agricultural base centers on milk, corn, and cattle. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 1,529 farms working 321,168 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 26,325 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Minnesota |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Dairy, Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 6+ 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 Todd County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
607 9th St NE, Long Prairie, MN 56347
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 Todd County
Todd County reported 26,325 head of cattle across roughly 34,611 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows June green-up and a July growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Todd County.
Farm Structure in Todd County
Irrigation covers about 5% of farmland in Todd County, roughly 17,221 acres. Farms average 210 acres, with about 15% classed as small operations. Around 25% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Todd County
With cattle and milk in the mix in Todd County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage (dairies); and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Todd County Operations
Based on Todd County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation efforts emphasize water quality protection through proper manure management and riparian buffers along the numerous waterways. Programs support transitioning younger farmers into dairy operations and sustainable grazing 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 Todd County
Todd County shares borders with Cass County, Minnesota, Douglas County, Minnesota, Morrison County, Minnesota, Otter Tail County, Minnesota, Stearns County, Minnesota, and Wadena 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 Todd 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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