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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Henry County
Henry County lies in the Illinois and Iowa Deep Loess and Drift (MLRA 108) region. Elevation averages about 692 feet.
Henry County averages 38.2 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 50.2°F.
Henry County's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and hogs. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 1,270 farms working 449,705 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 8,861 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwest Illinois |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Barley |
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 Henry County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
308 SE 8th Ave, Aledo, IL 61231
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
301 E North St, Cambridge, IL 61238
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 Henry County Operations
Based on Henry County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Soil health initiatives promote cover crop adoption and reduced tillage to maintain the productivity of prime farmland. Rock River watershed protection focuses on nutrient management and establishing buffer strips along waterways.
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 Henry County
Henry County shares borders with Bureau County, Illinois, Knox County, Illinois, Mercer County, Illinois, Rock Island County, Illinois, Stark County, Illinois, and Whiteside 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 Henry 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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