Waupaca County, Wisconsin: USDA programs and conservation funding

967
Farms & Ranches
230K
Acres in Agriculture
238
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$23.7M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Milk, Grain, Corn, Cattle, Soybeans
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Waupaca County, Wisconsin has 967 farms working 230,412 agricultural acres (average 238 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $23.7 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Milk, Grain, Corn.

← Wisconsin Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Waupaca County

The county falls within the Eastern Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, and Upper Michigan Drift Plain (MLRA 95) land resource region.

The growing season in Waupaca County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 32.6 inches per year. January lows average around 8°F while July highs reach about 81°F.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 967 farms in Waupaca County, operating across 230,412 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 238 acres. Top commodities include milk, corn, and cattle.


Quick Facts

RegionCentral Wisconsin
Top CommoditiesDairy, Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Vegetables, 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 Waupaca County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

1337c Royalton St, Waupaca, WI 54981

(715) 258-7162

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 Waupaca County Operations

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

Conservation programs focus on lake water quality protection through nutrient management and shoreline buffers around the Chain O' Lakes. EQIP supports dairy modernization and implementation of soil health practices on crop ground.

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 Waupaca County: Marathon County, Wisconsin, Outagamie County, Wisconsin, Portage County, Wisconsin, Shawano County, Wisconsin, Waushara County, Wisconsin, and Winnebago County, Wisconsin. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.

Your Next Steps in Waupaca 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 DevelopmentCSP

Quick Tools for Waupaca 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.