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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Macon County
Elevation across Macon County averages about 678 feet. The county falls within the Illinois and Iowa Deep Loess and Drift (MLRA 108) land resource region.
The growing season in Macon County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 39.0 inches per year. January lows average around 19°F while July highs reach about 86°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 570 farms in Macon County, operating across 259,085 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 455 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Illinois |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Horses |
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 Macon County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
5920 Revere Rd, Clinton, IL 61727
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
3342 N. Pres Howard Brown Bl., Decatur, IL 62521
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.
Forage and Grazing in Macon County
The forage year in Macon County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 1,721 acres of pastureland and 1,184 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Macon County
About 26% of Macon County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 32% of farms are small and 15% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 455 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Macon County
Macon 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 row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Macon County Operations
Based on Macon County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Focus on advanced nutrient management and precision application technology to maximize yields while minimizing environmental impact. Cover crop adoption is increasing rapidly.
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 Macon County: Christian County, Illinois, Logan County, Illinois, Moultrie County, Illinois, Piatt County, Illinois, Sangamon County, Illinois, and Shelby County, Illinois. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Macon 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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