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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Bureau County
Bureau County lies in the Illinois and Iowa Deep Loess and Drift (MLRA 108) region. Elevation averages about 671 feet.
Bureau County averages 38.1 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 49.9°F.
Bureau County's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and hogs. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 1,138 farms working 455,336 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 2,108 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central Illinois |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Floriculture |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 Bureau County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
1511 University Ct, Henry, IL 61537
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
312 E Backbone Rd Ste 1, Princeton, IL 61356
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.
Forage and Grazing in Bureau County
Bureau County reported 2,108 head of cattle across roughly 3,717 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows June green-up and a July growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Bureau County.
Farm Structure in Bureau County
Irrigation covers about 5% of farmland in Bureau County, roughly 22,267 acres. Farms average 400 acres, with about 19% classed as small operations. Around 24% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Bureau County
Bureau County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, corn, and soybeans. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for confined livestock operations, waste management and nutrient planning. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Bureau County Operations
Based on Bureau County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Precision agriculture and variable rate technology adoption supported through conservation programs. Drainage management systems optimize production on the productive prairie soils.
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 Bureau County
Bureau County shares borders with Henry County, Illinois, LaSalle County, Illinois, Lee County, Illinois, Marshall County, Illinois, Putnam County, Illinois, and Stark County, Illinois. 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 Bureau 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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