Racine County, Wisconsin: USDA programs and conservation funding

540
Farms & Ranches
99K
Acres in Agriculture
184
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$6.7M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Soybeans, Milk, Cattle
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Racine County, Wisconsin has 540 farms working 99,108 agricultural acres (average 184 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $6.7 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Soybeans.

← Wisconsin Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Racine County

Racine County lies in the Northern Illinois and Indiana Heavy Till Plain (MLRA 110) region.

Racine County averages 35.3 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 244 days. Annual mean temperature is 47.7°F.

Racine County's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and milk. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 540 farms working 99,108 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 4,404 head.


Quick Facts

RegionSoutheast Wisconsin
Top CommoditiesCorn, Soybeans, Dairy, Cattle & calves, Floriculture, Wheat

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 Racine County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

1012 Vine St, Union Grove, WI 53182

(262) 878-3353

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 Racine County Operations

Based on Racine County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

CREP enrollment focuses on protecting water quality in Lake Michigan tributaries through riparian buffers. Conservation efforts emphasize soil health practices and nutrient management on intensive crop ground.

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 Racine County

Racine County shares borders with Allegan County, Michigan, Ottawa County, Michigan, Kenosha County, Wisconsin, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, Walworth County, Wisconsin, and Waukesha 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 Racine 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 FencingCRPEQIP Water DevelopmentCSP

Quick Tools for Racine 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.