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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Forest County
The county falls within the Wisconsin and Minnesota Thin Loess and Till (MLRA 90A) land resource region.
The growing season in Forest County spans roughly 184 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 32.6 inches per year. January lows average around 3°F while July highs reach about 78°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 108 farms in Forest County, operating across 27,368 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 253 acres. Top commodities include maple syrup, corn, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northern Wisconsin |
| Top Commodities | Maple syrup, Corn, Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Bison, Hogs |
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 Forest County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2187 North Stevens Street, Suite A, Rhinelander, WI 54501
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 Forest County Operations
Based on Forest County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Forest conservation and wildlife habitat programs dominate over traditional agriculture. Small farm support helps maintain limited agricultural activities.
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 Forest County: Iron County, Michigan, Florence County, Wisconsin, Langlade County, Wisconsin, Marinette County, Wisconsin, Oconto County, Wisconsin, and Oneida County, Wisconsin. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Forest 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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