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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Livingston County
Livingston County sits within the Northern Illinois and Indiana Heavy Till Plain (MLRA 110) region. Elevation averages about 687 feet.
Temperatures in Livingston County range from a January mean low of 16°F to a July mean high near 85°F. Annual precipitation averages 37.9 inches. Expect about 275 frost-free days.
Livingston County ran 1,448 farms, 606,271 acres of farmland, and 2,247 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, soybeans, and hogs.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Central Illinois |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Poultry, Cattle & calves, Dairy |
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 Livingston County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
402 Kays Dr, Normal, IL 61761
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
1510 W Reynolds St, Pontiac, IL 61764
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 Livingston County Operations
Based on Livingston County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation practices focus on drainage water management and precision nutrient application. Cover crop programs are expanding to protect soil during winter months.
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 Ford County, Illinois, Grundy County, Illinois, Kankakee County, Illinois, LaSalle County, Illinois, McLean County, Illinois, and Woodford County, Illinois. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Livingston 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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