Winnebago County, Wisconsin: USDA programs and conservation funding

816
Farms & Ranches
145K
Acres in Agriculture
178
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$19.0M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Milk, Grain, Corn, Soybeans, Cattle
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Winnebago County, Wisconsin has 816 farms working 145,208 agricultural acres (average 178 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $19.0 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 Winnebago County

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

The growing season in Winnebago County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 32.8 inches per year. January lows average around 10°F while July highs reach about 82°F.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 816 farms in Winnebago County, operating across 145,208 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 178 acres. Top commodities include milk, corn, and soybeans.


Quick Facts

RegionEast Central Wisconsin
Top CommoditiesDairy, Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Floriculture

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 Winnebago County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

625 E County Road Y, Oshkosh, WI 54901

(920) 424-0329

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 Winnebago County Operations

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

CREP programs focus on Lake Winnebago and Fox River water quality protection through nutrient reduction and riparian buffers. Conservation efforts emphasize precision agriculture and nutrient management on intensive crop and 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

Adjacent Counties

Counties bordering Winnebago County: Calumet County, Wisconsin, Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, Green Lake County, Wisconsin, Outagamie County, Wisconsin, Waupaca County, Wisconsin, and Waushara County, Wisconsin. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.

Your Next Steps in Winnebago 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 Winnebago 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.