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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Calhoun County
Calhoun County sits within the Central Mississippi Valley Wooded Slopes (MLRA 115) region. Elevation averages about 741 feet.
Temperatures in Calhoun County range from a January mean low of 21°F to a July mean high near 88°F. Annual precipitation averages 40.3 inches. Expect about 275 frost-free days.
Calhoun County ran 462 farms, 106,067 acres of farmland, and 1,772 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, soybeans, and goats.
Quick Facts
| Region | West Central Illinois |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Fruit & tree nuts, Vegetables, Poultry, 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 Calhoun County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
17 N Us Hwy 67, Carrollton, IL 62016
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
604 E Franklin, Jerseyville, IL 62052
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 Calhoun County Operations
Based on Calhoun County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Flood management and emergency programs provide crucial support for river bottom operations. Wildlife habitat programs utilize marginal agricultural areas for conservation benefits.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Greene County, Illinois, Jersey County, Illinois, Pike County, Illinois, Lincoln County, Missouri, Pike County, Missouri, and St. Charles County, Missouri. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Calhoun 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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