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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Waseca County
Waseca County is part of the Central Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies land resource region (MLRA 103). The county's mean elevation is about 1,078 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Waseca County sees 35.0 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 44.9°F mean annual temperature.
Waseca County carries 4,531 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 899 acres. 622 farms operate in the county, averaging 429 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Minnesota |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Hogs, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Poultry, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-04-14
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 Waseca County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
105 22nd Ave NE, Waseca, MN 56093
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
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.
Programs for Waseca County Operations
Based on Waseca County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation efforts focus on nutrient management and soil health practices to protect water quality in the numerous lakes and wetlands. Cover crop adoption and precision agriculture techniques are emphasized to optimize production on the highly fertile soils.
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 Waseca County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Blue Earth County, Minnesota, Faribault County, Minnesota, Freeborn County, Minnesota, Le Sueur County, Minnesota, Rice County, Minnesota, and Steele County, Minnesota. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Waseca 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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