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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Lawrence County
Lawrence County sits within the Central Mississippi Valley Wooded Slopes (MLRA 115) region. Elevation averages about 505 feet.
Temperatures in Lawrence County range from a January mean low of 23°F to a July mean high near 87°F. Annual precipitation averages 46.7 inches. Expect about 275 frost-free days.
Lawrence County ran 332 farms, 186,482 acres of farmland, and 458 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, soybeans, and hogs.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeastern Illinois |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Poultry, Vegetables, Cattle & calves |
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 Lawrence County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
23 Industrial Dr, Fairfield, IL 62837
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
10976 State Route 250, Lawrenceville, IL 62439
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 Lawrence County Operations
Based on Lawrence County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus on preventing erosion on sloped fields and protecting water quality along river systems. Cover crop adoption is increasing to improve soil health on corn-soybean rotations.
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 Crawford County, Illinois, Richland County, Illinois, Wabash County, Illinois, and Knox County, Indiana. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Lawrence 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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