← Wisconsin Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Richland County
Richland County sits within the Upper Mississippi River Bedrock Controlled Uplands and Valleys (MLRA 105) region.
Temperatures in Richland County range from a January mean low of 9°F to a July mean high near 82°F. Annual precipitation averages 37.1 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.
Richland County ran 1,062 farms, 244,767 acres of farmland, and 28,295 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: milk, corn, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Wisconsin |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Poultry, 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 Richland County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
26136 Executive Lane, Richland Center, WI 53581
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 Richland County Operations
Based on Richland County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs heavily emphasize contour farming, grassed waterways, and rotational grazing systems adapted to steep terrain. CREP focuses on Wisconsin River watershed protection through streambank stabilization.
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 Crawford County, Wisconsin, Grant County, Wisconsin, Iowa County, Wisconsin, Sauk County, Wisconsin, and Vernon County, Wisconsin. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Richland 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.