Burnett County, Wisconsin: USDA programs and conservation funding

302
Farms & Ranches
78K
Acres in Agriculture
258
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$4.7M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Milk, Grain, Corn, Cattle, Soybeans
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Burnett County, Wisconsin has 302 farms working 77,858 agricultural acres (average 258 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $4.7 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Milk, Grain, Corn.

← Wisconsin Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Burnett County

Burnett County averages 31.7 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 42.5°F.

Burnett County's agricultural base centers on milk, corn, and cattle. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 302 farms working 77,858 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 7,656 head.


Quick Facts

RegionNorthwestern Wisconsin
Top CommoditiesDairy, Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Vegetables, Poultry

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 Burnett County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

800 N Front St, Spooner, WI 54801

(715) 635-8228

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 Burnett County Operations

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

Sandy soil management and wildlife habitat enhancement are program priorities. Wetland conservation supports waterfowl habitat and water quality protection.

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 Burnett County

Burnett County shares borders with Chisago County, Minnesota, Pine County, Minnesota, Barron County, Wisconsin, Douglas County, Wisconsin, Polk County, Wisconsin, and Washburn County, Wisconsin. 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 Burnett 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

CRPEQIP Water DevelopmentCSP

Quick Tools for Burnett 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.