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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About La Crosse County
The county falls within the Upper Mississippi River Bedrock Controlled Uplands and Valleys (MLRA 105) land resource region.
The growing season in La Crosse County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 36.4 inches per year. January lows average around 8°F while July highs reach about 82°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 676 farms in La Crosse County, operating across 138,200 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 204 acres. Top commodities include milk, corn, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Wisconsin |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Poultry, Fruit & tree nuts |
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 La Crosse County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1107 Riders Club Rd, Onalaska, WI 54650
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 La Crosse County Operations
Based on La Crosse County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Steep slope management and erosion control are major conservation priorities in this bluffland region. Grazing management programs help maintain productive pastures while protecting water quality in the Mississippi River system.
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 La Crosse County: Houston County, Minnesota, Winona County, Minnesota, Jackson County, Wisconsin, Monroe County, Wisconsin, Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, and Vernon County, Wisconsin. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in La Crosse 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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