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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Bond County
Bond County is part of the Southern Illinois and Indiana Thin Loess and Till Plain land resource region (MLRA 114). The county's mean elevation is about 485 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Bond County sees 42.7 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 54.9°F mean annual temperature.
Bond County carries 2,357 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 6,045 acres. 622 farms operate in the county, averaging 260 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Illinois |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cattle & calves, Dairy, Hogs |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Bond County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
1790 N 4th St, Breese, IL 62230
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
7205 Marine Rd, Edwardsville, IL 62025
This county also has 2 additional NRCS and 1 additional FSA offices. 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 Bond County Operations
Based on Bond County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation tillage and cover crop adoption supported through technical assistance programs. Drainage tile installation projects help manage seasonal wet conditions.
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 Bond County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Clinton County, Illinois, Fayette County, Illinois, Madison County, Illinois, and Montgomery County, Illinois. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Bond County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Illinois guide: Illinois Farm Programs Guide
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