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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Jersey County
Elevation across Jersey County averages about 597 feet. The county falls within the Central Mississippi Valley Wooded Slopes (MLRA 115) land resource region.
The growing season in Jersey County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 41.1 inches per year. January lows average around 21°F while July highs reach about 87°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 460 farms in Jersey County, operating across 161,192 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 350 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Illinois |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts |
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 Jersey County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
17 N Us Hwy 67, Carrollton, IL 62016
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
604 E Franklin, Jerseyville, IL 62052
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 Jersey County Operations
Based on Jersey County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Illinois River watershed conservation emphasizes nutrient management and riparian buffer establishment. Soil conservation practices focus on erosion control on sloping ground and maintaining productivity of variable 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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Jersey County: Calhoun County, Illinois, Greene County, Illinois, Macoupin County, Illinois, Madison County, Illinois, and St. Charles County, Missouri. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Jersey 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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