Waukesha County, Wisconsin: USDA programs and conservation funding

439
Farms & Ranches
70K
Acres in Agriculture
160
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$3.1M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Soybeans, Milk, Cattle
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Waukesha County, Wisconsin has 439 farms working 70,268 agricultural acres (average 160 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $3.1 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 Waukesha County

Waukesha County is part of the Eastern Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, and Upper Michigan Drift Plain land resource region (MLRA 95).

Based on 1991–2020 normals, Waukesha County sees 35.6 in of rain, a 244-day growing season, a 46.9°F mean annual temperature.

Waukesha County carries 3,653 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 2,189 acres. 439 farms operate in the county, averaging 160 acres each.


Quick Facts

RegionSoutheast Wisconsin
Top CommoditiesCorn, Soybeans, Dairy, Floriculture, Cattle & calves, 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 Waukesha County.

NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)

1012 Vine St, Union Grove, WI 53182

(262) 878-3353

FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)

515 W Moreland Blvd Rm Ac-G48, Waukesha, WI 53188

(262) 547-8241

This county also has 1 additional NRCS office. View all offices

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 Waukesha County Operations

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

Conservation programs emphasize farmland preservation and sustainable intensification to maintain agriculture in urban-influenced areas. EQIP supports infrastructure improvements that allow farming operations to coexist with suburban development.

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 Waukesha County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Dodge County, Wisconsin, Jefferson County, Wisconsin, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, Racine County, Wisconsin, and Walworth County, Wisconsin. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Waukesha 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 Prescribed GrazingCSP

Quick Tools for Waukesha 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.