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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About DeKalb County
DeKalb County lies in the Illinois and Iowa Deep Loess and Drift (MLRA 108) region. Elevation averages about 861 feet.
DeKalb County averages 37.5 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 244 days. Annual mean temperature is 48.9°F.
DeKalb County's agricultural base centers on corn, hogs, and soybeans. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 807 farms working 353,524 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 6,428 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northern Illinois |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Seed corn, Hogs, Hay |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 DeKalb County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
1213 Pines Rd, Oregon, IL 61061
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
1350 W Prairie Dr, Sycamore, IL 60178
This county also has 1 additional NRCS office. 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 DeKalb County Operations
Based on DeKalb County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Advanced precision agriculture and seed research programs drive technology adoption throughout the county. Soil health and nutrient management programs optimize production on highly fertile prairie ground.
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 DeKalb County
DeKalb County shares borders with Boone County, Illinois, Kane County, Illinois, Kendall County, Illinois, LaSalle County, Illinois, Lee County, Illinois, and McHenry 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 DeKalb 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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