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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Mason County
Mason County lies in the Central Mississippi Valley Wooded Slopes (MLRA 115) region. Elevation averages about 496 feet.
Mason County averages 38.6 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 52.7°F.
Mason County's agricultural base centers on corn and soybeans. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 588 farms working 324,668 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 1,207 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Illinois |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Vegetables, Floriculture, Honey, Poultry |
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 Mason County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
930 E Laurel Ave, Havana, IL 62644
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 Mason County
Mason County reported 1,207 head of cattle across roughly 8,939 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows June green-up and a August 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 Mason County.
Farm Structure in Mason County
Irrigation covers about 44% of farmland in Mason County, roughly 143,216 acres. Farms average 552 acres, with about 17% classed as small operations. Around 22% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Mason County
Given the operation mix in Mason County, the practices that most often come up are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Mason County Operations
Based on Mason County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs focus on irrigation efficiency and soil conservation on sandy soils prone to wind erosion. Specialty crop production receives targeted technical assistance.
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 Mason County
Mason County shares borders with Cass County, Illinois, Fulton County, Illinois, Logan County, Illinois, Menard County, Illinois, Schuyler County, Illinois, and Tazewell 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 Mason 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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