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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Lincoln County
Lincoln County is part of the Wisconsin and Minnesota Thin Loess and Till land resource region (MLRA 90A).
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Lincoln County sees 32.8 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 41.6°F mean annual temperature.
Lincoln County carries 5,243 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 6,069 acres. 419 farms operate in the county, averaging 190 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central Wisconsin |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Poultry, Maple syrup |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
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 Lincoln County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
803 Superior St, Antigo, WI 54409
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.
Farm Structure in Lincoln County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Lincoln County at an average farm size of 190 acres, 25% small operations, 18% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 209 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Lincoln County
Lincoln County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were milk, grain, and corn. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for dairies, waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage; and for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Lincoln County Operations
Based on Lincoln County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs emphasize wildlife habitat and forest management integration with small farming operations. Limited growing season assistance and crop insurance options address the challenging 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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Lincoln County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Langlade County, Wisconsin, Marathon County, Wisconsin, Oneida County, Wisconsin, Price County, Wisconsin, and Taylor County, Wisconsin. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Lincoln 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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