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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Ashland County
Ashland County is part of the Wisconsin and Minnesota Thin Loess and Till land resource region (MLRA 90A).
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Ashland County sees 33.7 in of rain, a 184-day growing season, a 40.6°F mean annual temperature.
Ashland County carries 4,561 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 9,852 acres. 209 farms operate in the county, averaging 328 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northern Wisconsin |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Fruit & tree nuts, 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 Ashland County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
411 Ellis Avenue, Suite A, Ashland, WI 54806
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 Ashland County Operations
Based on Ashland County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize forest-agriculture integration and support for small-scale operations. Cold climate adaptation and season extension practices are priorities.
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 Ashland County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Gogebic County, Michigan, Ontonagon County, Michigan, Cook County, Minnesota, Lake County, Minnesota, Bayfield County, Wisconsin, and Iron County, Wisconsin. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Ashland County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Wisconsin guide: Wisconsin Farm Programs Guide
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