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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About McHenry County
Elevation across McHenry County averages about 905 feet. The county falls within the Eastern Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, and Upper Michigan Drift Plain (MLRA 95) land resource region.
The growing season in McHenry County spans roughly 244 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 37.4 inches per year. January lows average around 14°F while July highs reach about 83°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 828 farms in McHenry County, operating across 184,403 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 223 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and milk.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northern Illinois |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Vegetables, Dairy, Cattle & calves, Floriculture |
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 McHenry County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
2315 Dean St Ste 100, St Charles, IL 60175
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
1648 S Eastwood Dr, Woodstock, IL 60098
This county also has 1 additional NRCS office. 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 McHenry County
The forage year in McHenry County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in August (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 8,940 acres of pastureland and 1,832 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in McHenry County
About 25% of McHenry County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 49% of farms are small and 9% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 223 acres.
What Tends to Fit in McHenry County
McHenry 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 grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for dairies, waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage; and 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 McHenry County Operations
Based on McHenry County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs focus on protecting water quality in lake watersheds and managing agricultural operations near urban areas. Farmland preservation is a growing priority.
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 McHenry County: Boone County, Illinois, Cook County, Illinois, DeKalb County, Illinois, Kane County, Illinois, Lake County, Illinois, and Kenosha County, Wisconsin. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in McHenry 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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