← Minnesota Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Yellow Medicine County
Yellow Medicine County sits within the Central Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies (MLRA 103) region. Elevation averages about 1,059 feet.
Temperatures in Yellow Medicine County range from a January mean low of 5°F to a July mean high near 83°F. Annual precipitation averages 27.8 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.
Yellow Medicine County ran 847 farms, 383,404 acres of farmland, and 9,097 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, hogs, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Minnesota |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Hogs, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Dairy, Wheat |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Yellow Medicine County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1000 10th Ave, Clarkfield, MN 56223
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 Yellow Medicine County Operations
Based on Yellow Medicine County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus on soil health improvement and water quality protection for the Minnesota River watershed. Prairie restoration and wetland preservation are priorities, along with promoting cover crops and reduced tillage 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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Chippewa County, Minnesota, Lac qui Parle County, Minnesota, Lincoln County, Minnesota, Lyon County, Minnesota, Redwood County, Minnesota, and Renville County, Minnesota. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Yellow Medicine County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Minnesota guide: Minnesota Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.