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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About McLean County
McLean County is part of the Illinois and Iowa Deep Loess and Drift land resource region (MLRA 108). The county's mean elevation is about 820 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, McLean County sees 38.3 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 51.4°F mean annual temperature.
McLean County carries 3,524 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 5,386 acres. 1,488 farms operate in the county, averaging 401 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Illinois |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Wheat, Vegetables, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 McLean County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
402 Kays Dr, Normal, IL 61761
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.
Programs for McLean County Operations
Based on McLean County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize precision nutrient management and advanced conservation practices on highly productive soils. Research and demonstration projects showcase innovative farming techniques.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in McLean County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Champaign County, Illinois, Ford County, Illinois, Livingston County, Illinois, Logan County, Illinois, Piatt County, Illinois, and Tazewell County, Illinois. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in McLean 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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