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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Franklin County
Franklin County lies in the Central Claypan Areas (MLRA 113) region. Elevation averages about 462 feet.
Franklin County averages 47.0 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 56.1°F.
Franklin County's agricultural base centers on soybeans, corn, and hogs. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 569 farms working 174,342 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 2,256 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southern Illinois |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Hogs, Wheat, Vegetables, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Franklin County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
711 N Duquoin St, Benton, IL 62812
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 Franklin County
Franklin County reported 2,256 head of cattle across roughly 7,693 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a July growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Franklin County.
Farm Structure in Franklin County
Franklin County reports about 68 acres under irrigation. Farms average 306 acres, with about 29% classed as small operations. Around 23% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Franklin County
Given the operation mix in Franklin County, the practices that most often come up are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground, and waste management and nutrient planning for confined livestock operations. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Franklin County Operations
Based on Franklin County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation practices emphasize erosion control on sloping ground and pasture management improvements for livestock operations. Tree planting and wildlife habitat programs are popular given the county's proximity to forested areas.
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 Franklin County
Franklin County shares borders with Hamilton County, Illinois, Jackson County, Illinois, Jefferson County, Illinois, Perry County, Illinois, Saline County, Illinois, and Williamson 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 Franklin 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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