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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Brown County
Brown County is part of the Central Mississippi Valley Wooded Slopes land resource region (MLRA 115). The county's mean elevation is about 705 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Brown County sees 38.6 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 52.8°F mean annual temperature.
Brown County carries 1,601 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 12,397 acres. 449 farms operate in the county, averaging 364 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | West Central Illinois |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Sheep, Goats |
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 Brown County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
1619 W Jackson St, Macomb, IL 61455
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
511 E Main St, Mt Sterling, IL 62353
This county also has 2 additional NRCS 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 Brown County Operations
Based on Brown County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Erosion control and pasture management programs address steep slope challenges. Timber management and wildlife habitat enhancement complement traditional farming practices.
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 Brown County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Adams County, Illinois, Cass County, Illinois, Morgan County, Illinois, Pike County, Illinois, and Schuyler County, Illinois. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Brown 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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