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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Mercer County
Mercer County is part of the Central Mississippi Valley Wooded Slopes land resource region (MLRA 115). The county's mean elevation is about 739 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Mercer County sees 37.9 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 50.5°F mean annual temperature.
Mercer County carries 2,015 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 6,208 acres. 690 farms operate in the county, averaging 364 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwestern Illinois |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Hogs, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Sheep, Wheat |
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 Mercer County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
308 SE 8th Ave, Aledo, IL 61231
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 Mercer County Operations
Based on Mercer County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs focus on maintaining soil productivity through cover crops and nutrient management. Water quality initiatives protect streams flowing to the Mississippi River.
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 Mercer County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Henderson County, Illinois, Henry County, Illinois, Knox County, Illinois, Rock Island County, Illinois, Warren County, Illinois, and Des Moines County, Iowa. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Mercer 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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