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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Marshall County
Marshall County sits within the Illinois and Iowa Deep Loess and Drift (MLRA 108) region. Elevation averages about 670 feet.
Temperatures in Marshall County range from a January mean low of 16°F to a July mean high near 85°F. Annual precipitation averages 37.5 inches. Expect about 275 frost-free days.
Marshall County ran 491 farms, 206,667 acres of farmland, and 1,197 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, soybeans, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central Illinois |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Wheat, Hogs |
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 Marshall County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1511 University Ct, Henry, IL 61537
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 Marshall County Operations
Based on Marshall County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize water quality protection along the Illinois River corridor. Wetland restoration and buffer strips are priorities in floodplain areas.
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 Bureau County, Illinois, LaSalle County, Illinois, Peoria County, Illinois, Putnam County, Illinois, Stark 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 Marshall 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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