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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Sheboygan County
The county falls within the Eastern Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, and Upper Michigan Drift Plain (MLRA 95) land resource region.
The growing season in Sheboygan County spans roughly 244 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 32.3 inches per year. January lows average around 12°F while July highs reach about 80°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 842 farms in Sheboygan County, operating across 198,776 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 236 acres. Top commodities include milk, corn, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Central Wisconsin |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Wheat, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
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 Sheboygan County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1926 Eastern Ave, Plymouth, WI 53073
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.
Farm Structure in Sheboygan County
About 22% of Sheboygan County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 29% of farms are small and 9% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 236 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Sheboygan County
With cattle and milk in the mix in Sheboygan County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage (dairies); and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Sheboygan County Operations
Based on Sheboygan County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
CREP programs focus heavily on Lake Michigan tributary protection through streambank stabilization and nutrient reduction. Conservation efforts emphasize soil health practices on intensive vegetable and row crop operations.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Sheboygan County: Mason County, Michigan, Oceana County, Michigan, Calumet County, Wisconsin, Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, and Ozaukee County, Wisconsin. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Sheboygan 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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