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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Pierce County
Pierce County lies in the Upper Mississippi River Bedrock Controlled Uplands and Valleys (MLRA 105) region.
Pierce County averages 34.4 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 44.4°F.
Pierce County's agricultural base centers on milk, corn, and soybeans. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 1,150 farms working 229,659 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 20,629 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | West Central Wisconsin |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Floriculture, Fruit & tree nuts |
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 Pierce County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
412 W Kinne, Ellsworth, WI 54011
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 Pierce County Operations
Based on Pierce County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs emphasize soil health and erosion control on the county's varied topography. Water quality protection addresses both the St. Croix and Mississippi River watersheds.
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 Pierce County
Pierce County shares borders with Dakota County, Minnesota, Goodhue County, Minnesota, Washington County, Minnesota, Dunn County, Wisconsin, and Pepin 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 Pierce 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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