Walworth County, Wisconsin: USDA programs and conservation funding

861
Farms & Ranches
180K
Acres in Agriculture
209
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$27.0M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Milk, Corn, Soybeans, Cattle
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Walworth County, Wisconsin has 861 farms working 179,902 agricultural acres (average 209 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $27.0 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Milk, Corn.

← Wisconsin Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Walworth County

Walworth County lies in the Eastern Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, and Upper Michigan Drift Plain (MLRA 95) region.

Walworth County averages 37.0 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 244 days. Annual mean temperature is 47.4°F.

Walworth County's agricultural base centers on milk, corn, and soybeans. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 861 farms working 179,902 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 14,072 head.


Quick Facts

RegionSoutheast Wisconsin
Top CommoditiesDairy, Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Hogs, Vegetables

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 Walworth County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

225 Oconnor Dr, Elkhorn, WI 53121

(262) 723-3216

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 Walworth County Operations

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

Conservation programs focus on lake water quality protection through nutrient management and shoreline buffers around recreational lakes. EQIP supports precision agriculture adoption and manure management systems on intensive dairy 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

Counties Bordering Walworth County

Walworth County shares borders with Boone County, Illinois, McHenry County, Illinois, Jefferson County, Wisconsin, Kenosha County, Wisconsin, Racine County, Wisconsin, and Rock 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 Walworth 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 Development

Quick Tools for Walworth 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.