← Wisconsin Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Polk County
Polk County sits within the Wisconsin and Minnesota Thin Loess and Till (MLRA 90A) region.
Temperatures in Polk County range from a January mean low of 4°F to a July mean high near 81°F. Annual precipitation averages 33.0 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.
Polk County ran 1,066 farms, 239,493 acres of farmland, and 20,762 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: milk, corn, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwest Wisconsin |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Corn, Soybeans, Poultry, Cattle & calves, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Polk County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
941 Mallard Ln, Balsam Lake, WI 54810
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 Polk County Operations
Based on Polk County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Grazing management and pasture improvement programs are emphasized given the county's livestock focus. Conservation practices protect water quality in the St. Croix River watershed and numerous lakes.
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 Chisago County, Minnesota, Washington County, Minnesota, Barron County, Wisconsin, Burnett County, Wisconsin, and Dunn County, Wisconsin. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Polk 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.