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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Massac County
Massac County sits within the Southern Mississippi Valley Loess (MLRA 134) region. Elevation averages about 369 feet.
Temperatures in Massac County range from a January mean low of 27°F to a July mean high near 89°F. Annual precipitation averages 50.0 inches. Expect about 334 frost-free days.
Massac County ran 350 farms, 127,131 acres of farmland, and 3,087 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: soybeans, corn, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southern Illinois |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Goats, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Massac County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
807 N 1st St, Vienna, IL 62995
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 Massac County Operations
Based on Massac County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs address forest management and erosion control on sloped terrain. Grazing management practices are emphasized for cattle operations.
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 Johnson County, Illinois, Pope County, Illinois, Pulaski County, Illinois, Livingston County, Kentucky, and McCracken County, Kentucky. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Massac 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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