Iron County, Wisconsin: USDA programs and conservation funding

57
Farms & Ranches
9K
Acres in Agriculture
150
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$436K
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Field Crops, Other, Cattle, Grain, Maple Syrup, Hogs
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Iron County, Wisconsin has 57 farms working 8,578 agricultural acres (average 150 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $0.4 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Field Crops, Other, Cattle, Grain.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Iron County

Iron County sits within the Superior Stony and Rocky Loamy Plains and Hills (MLRA 93B) region.

Temperatures in Iron County range from a January mean low of 3°F to a July mean high near 77°F. Annual precipitation averages 34.9 inches. Expect about 184 frost-free days.

Iron County ran 57 farms, 8,578 acres of farmland, and 208 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, maple syrup, and hogs.


Quick Facts

RegionNorthern Wisconsin
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Maple syrup, Poultry, 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 Iron County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

411 Ellis Avenue, Suite A, Ashland, WI 54806

(715) 682-9117

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 Iron County Operations

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

Conservation programs focus on forest edge management and wildlife habitat enhancement. Limited crop insurance options reflect the challenging growing conditions in this northern climate.

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

Bordering Counties

If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Gogebic County, Michigan, Ashland County, Wisconsin, Price County, Wisconsin, and Vilas County, Wisconsin. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Iron 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.

Quick Tools for Iron 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.