Ozaukee County, Wisconsin: USDA programs and conservation funding

292
Farms & Ranches
50K
Acres in Agriculture
170
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$8.5M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Milk, Grain, Corn, Cattle, Soybeans
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Ozaukee County, Wisconsin has 292 farms working 49,769 agricultural acres (average 170 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $8.5 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Milk, Grain, Corn.

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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

RegionSoutheast Wisconsin
Top CommoditiesDairy, Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Fruit & tree nuts, 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 Ozaukee County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

333 E Washington St, West Bend, WI 53095

(262) 335-4860

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 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

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Wisconsin guide: Wisconsin Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP Water Development

Quick Tools for Ozaukee County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.