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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Dane County
Dane County is part of the Eastern Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, and Upper Michigan Drift Plain land resource region (MLRA 95).
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Dane County sees 37.3 in of rain, a 244-day growing season, a 46.8°F mean annual temperature.
Dane County carries 50,742 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 13,369 acres. 2,284 farms operate in the county, averaging 197 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Wisconsin |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Floriculture, 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 Dane County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
5201 Fen Oak Drive, Madison, WI 53718
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 Dane County Operations
Based on Dane County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Urban interface conservation and farmland preservation programs address development pressure. Water quality protection around lakes emphasizes nutrient management 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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Dane County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Columbia County, Wisconsin, Dodge County, Wisconsin, Green County, Wisconsin, Iowa County, Wisconsin, Jefferson County, Wisconsin, and Rock County, Wisconsin. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Dane 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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