Barron County, Wisconsin: USDA programs and conservation funding

1,118
Farms & Ranches
282K
Acres in Agriculture
252
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$48.2M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Milk, Grain, Corn, Cattle, Soybeans
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Barron County, Wisconsin has 1,118 farms working 282,265 agricultural acres (average 252 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $48.2 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Milk, Grain, Corn. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Barron County

The county falls within the Central Wisconsin Thin Loess Dissected Till Plain (MLRA 90B) land resource region.

The growing season in Barron County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 33.3 inches per year. January lows average around 3°F while July highs reach about 80°F.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,118 farms in Barron County, operating across 282,265 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 252 acres. Top commodities include milk, corn, and cattle.


Quick Facts

RegionNorthwestern Wisconsin
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Dairy, Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Vegetables

Current Conditions

Drought status: None (None).

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 Barron County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

335 E Monroe Ave Rm 121, Barron, WI 54812

(715) 537-5645

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 Barron County Operations

Based on Barron County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Conservation efforts focus on rotational grazing systems and nutrient management for dairy operations. Cover crop adoption is increasing to protect water quality.

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 Barron County: Burnett County, Wisconsin, Chippewa County, Wisconsin, Dunn County, Wisconsin, Polk County, Wisconsin, Rusk County, Wisconsin, and Sawyer County, Wisconsin. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.

Your Next Steps in Barron County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Wisconsin guide: Wisconsin Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.33
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.87
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Barron County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.