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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Lee County
Lee County lies in the Illinois and Iowa Deep Loess and Drift (MLRA 108) region. Elevation averages about 795 feet.
Lee County averages 38.2 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 244 days. Annual mean temperature is 49.2°F.
Lee County's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and hogs. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 829 farms working 377,886 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 2,606 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northern Illinois |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Poultry, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 Lee County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
319 S Mason Ave, Amboy, IL 61310
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.
Forage and Grazing in Lee County
Lee County reported 2,606 head of cattle across roughly 3,039 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows June 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 Lee County.
Farm Structure in Lee County
Irrigation covers about 6% of farmland in Lee County, roughly 24,484 acres. Farms average 456 acres, with about 20% classed as small operations. Around 20% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Lee County
Lee County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, corn, and soybeans. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for confined livestock operations, waste management and nutrient planning. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Lee County Operations
Based on Lee County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize precision agriculture techniques and nutrient management on high-yielding soils. Drainage management and cover crops are priorities for maintaining soil productivity.
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 Lee County
Lee County shares borders with Bureau County, Illinois, DeKalb County, Illinois, LaSalle County, Illinois, Ogle 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 Lee 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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