← Wisconsin Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Lafayette County
Lafayette County is part of the Upper Mississippi River Bedrock Controlled Uplands and Valleys land resource region (MLRA 105).
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Lafayette County sees 38.3 in of rain, a 244-day growing season, a 47.1°F mean annual temperature.
Lafayette County carries 41,121 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 37,186 acres. 1,162 farms operate in the county, averaging 272 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Wisconsin |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Hogs, Poultry |
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 Lafayette County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1900 Ervin Johnson Drive, Darlington, WI 53530
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 Lafayette County Operations
Based on Lafayette County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Grazing management and pasture improvement programs are emphasized in this hilly terrain. Erosion control practices focus on protecting steep slopes and maintaining soil health in the Driftless landscape.
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 Lafayette County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Jo Daviess County, Illinois, Stephenson County, Illinois, Grant County, Wisconsin, Green County, Wisconsin, and Iowa County, Wisconsin. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Lafayette County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Wisconsin guide: Wisconsin Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.