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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Clay County
Elevation across Clay County averages about 464 feet. The county falls within the Central Claypan Areas (MLRA 113) land resource region.
The growing season in Clay County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 45.9 inches per year. January lows average around 22°F while July highs reach about 87°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 671 farms in Clay County, operating across 227,457 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 339 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and hogs.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Illinois |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Poultry |
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 Clay County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
155 Hwy 45 N, Louisville, IL 62858
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 Clay County Operations
Based on Clay County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Soil conservation practices address erosion concerns on rolling terrain throughout the county. Pasture management and livestock water systems support cattle operations on marginal cropland.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Clay County: Effingham County, Illinois, Fayette County, Illinois, Jasper County, Illinois, Marion County, Illinois, Richland County, Illinois, and Wayne County, Illinois. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Clay 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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