← Wisconsin Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Sauk County
Sauk County is part of the Upper Mississippi River Bedrock Controlled Uplands and Valleys land resource region (MLRA 105).
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Sauk County sees 37.1 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 46.2°F mean annual temperature.
Sauk County carries 29,404 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 24,688 acres. 1,408 farms operate in the county, averaging 212 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Wisconsin |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Hogs, 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 Sauk County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
505 Broadway St, Baraboo, WI 53913
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 Sauk County Operations
Based on Sauk County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation efforts focus on protecting the unique sandstone landscape and groundwater quality in the Dells region. Programs support sustainable tourism integration with agriculture and specialized erosion control practices.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Sauk County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Adams County, Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wisconsin, Dane County, Wisconsin, Iowa County, Wisconsin, Juneau County, Wisconsin, and Richland County, Wisconsin. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Sauk 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.