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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Madison County
Elevation across Madison County averages about 539 feet. The county falls within the Southern Illinois and Indiana Thin Loess and Till Plain (MLRA 114) land resource region.
The growing season in Madison County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 42.3 inches per year. January lows average around 22°F while July highs reach about 88°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 962 farms in Madison County, operating across 264,765 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 275 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwestern Illinois |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Vegetables, Dairy, 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 Madison County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
2031 Mascoutah Ave, Belleville, IL 62220
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
7205 Marine Rd, Edwardsville, IL 62025
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 Madison County Operations
Based on Madison County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize flood management and soil conservation in bottomland areas. Urban interface management is important due to metropolitan area proximity.
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 Madison County: Bond County, Illinois, Clinton County, Illinois, Jersey County, Illinois, Macoupin County, Illinois, Montgomery County, Illinois, and St. Clair County, Illinois. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Madison 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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