← Wisconsin Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Manitowoc County
Manitowoc County lies in the Eastern Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, and Upper Michigan Drift Plain (MLRA 95) region.
Manitowoc County averages 32.6 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 244 days. Annual mean temperature is 45.1°F.
Manitowoc County's agricultural base centers on milk, cattle, and corn. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 1,092 farms working 236,367 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 52,636 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Central Wisconsin |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Vegetables |
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 Manitowoc County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
4319 Expo Dr, Manitowoc, WI 54220
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 Manitowoc County Operations
Based on Manitowoc County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Water quality protection programs target the Lake Michigan watershed with emphasis on nutrient management. Modern dairy operations receive support for manure management systems and precision agriculture technologies.
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
Counties Bordering Manitowoc County
Manitowoc County shares borders with Manistee County, Michigan, Mason County, Michigan, Brown County, Wisconsin, Calumet County, Wisconsin, Kewaunee County, Wisconsin, and Sheboygan County, Wisconsin. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Manitowoc 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.