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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Ford County
Ford County sits within the Northern Illinois and Indiana Heavy Till Plain (MLRA 110) region. Elevation averages about 782 feet.
Temperatures in Ford County range from a January mean low of 17°F to a July mean high near 85°F. Annual precipitation averages 39.0 inches. Expect about 275 frost-free days.
Ford County ran 544 farms, 279,456 acres of farmland, and 4,020 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, soybeans, and hogs.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Central Illinois |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Ford County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1380 W Ottawa Rd, Paxton, IL 60957
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 Ford County Operations
Based on Ford County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Precision agriculture and nutrient management programs are priorities to optimize yields while protecting groundwater quality. Tile drainage maintenance and upgrades receive significant conservation support given the flat terrain.
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 Champaign County, Illinois, Iroquois County, Illinois, Kankakee County, Illinois, Livingston County, Illinois, McLean County, Illinois, and Vermilion County, Illinois. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Ford 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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