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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Ozaukee County
The county falls within the Eastern Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, and Upper Michigan Drift Plain (MLRA 95) land resource region.
The growing season in Ozaukee County spans roughly 244 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 33.0 inches per year. January lows average around 13°F while July highs reach about 81°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 292 farms in Ozaukee County, operating across 49,769 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 170 acres. Top commodities include milk, corn, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Wisconsin |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Fruit & tree nuts, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Ozaukee County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
333 E Washington St, West Bend, WI 53095
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 Ozaukee County
About 22% of Ozaukee County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 28% of farms are small and 5% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 170 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Ozaukee County
With cattle and milk in the mix in Ozaukee County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage (dairies); and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Ozaukee County Operations
Based on Ozaukee County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Farmland preservation and water quality protection receive priority given proximity to Lake Michigan and urban development pressure. Conservation practices emphasize sustainable intensification and environmental protection.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Ozaukee County: Muskegon County, Michigan, Oceana County, Michigan, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, Washington County, Wisconsin, and Waukesha County, Wisconsin. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Ozaukee 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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