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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Wood County
Wood County averages 33.2 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 44.0°F.
Wood County's agricultural base centers on milk, corn, and cattle. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 909 farms working 216,635 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 23,268 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Wisconsin |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans |
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 Wood County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
101 W Riverview Expy Ste 111, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495
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 Wood County
Irrigation covers about 3% of farmland in Wood County, roughly 5,856 acres. Farms average 238 acres, with about 20% classed as small operations. Around 23% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Wood County
Wood County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were milk, grain, and corn. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for dairies, waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage; and for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Wood County Operations
Based on Wood County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus on water management for cranberry production and protection of Wisconsin River water quality. EQIP supports efficient irrigation systems and wetland management practices essential for cranberry cultivation.
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 Wood County
Wood County shares borders with Adams County, Wisconsin, Clark County, Wisconsin, Jackson County, Wisconsin, Juneau County, Wisconsin, Marathon County, Wisconsin, and Portage 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 Wood 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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