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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: 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 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.
Forage and Grazing in Clay County
The forage year in Clay County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 4,078 acres of pastureland and 1,648 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Clay County
About 22% of Clay County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 24% of farms are small and 13% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 339 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Clay County
Clay 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 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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