← Wisconsin Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Marathon County
Marathon County sits within the Central Wisconsin Thin Loess Dissected Till Plain (MLRA 90B) region.
Temperatures in Marathon County range from a January mean low of 5°F to a July mean high near 80°F. Annual precipitation averages 33.0 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.
Marathon County ran 2,059 farms, 477,577 acres of farmland, and 151,139 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: milk, corn, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central Wisconsin |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Vegetables, Wheat |
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 Marathon County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
705 South 24th Avenue, Suite 430, Wausau, WI 54401
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 Marathon County Operations
Based on Marathon County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Specialty crop programs support the county's significant ginseng production and processing industry. Conservation practices address diverse needs from intensive vegetable production to extensive dairy operations.
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 Clark County, Wisconsin, Langlade County, Wisconsin, Lincoln County, Wisconsin, Portage County, Wisconsin, Shawano County, Wisconsin, and Taylor County, Wisconsin. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Marathon 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.