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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Oconto County
Oconto County is part of the Eastern Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, and Upper Michigan Drift Plain land resource region (MLRA 95).
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Oconto County sees 32.4 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 43.5°F mean annual temperature.
Oconto County carries 24,763 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 7,687 acres. 762 farms operate in the county, averaging 255 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Wisconsin |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, 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 Oconto County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
410 1/2 E Main St, Lena, WI 54139
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 Oconto County Operations
Based on Oconto County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs address the transition from forest to agricultural land use patterns. Water quality protection focuses on Green Bay watershed management and nutrient reduction strategies.
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 Oconto County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Brown County, Wisconsin, Door County, Wisconsin, Forest County, Wisconsin, Langlade County, Wisconsin, Marinette County, Wisconsin, and Menominee County, Wisconsin. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Oconto 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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