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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Monroe County
Elevation across Monroe County averages about 647 feet. The county falls within the Central Mississippi Valley Wooded Slopes (MLRA 115) land resource region.
The growing season in Monroe County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 43.0 inches per year. January lows average around 24°F while July highs reach about 89°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 533 farms in Monroe County, operating across 197,346 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 370 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, corn, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwestern Illinois |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Wheat, Hogs, Floriculture, Grain sorghum |
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 Monroe County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
2031 Mascoutah Ave, Belleville, IL 62220
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
138 Williamsburg Ln, Waterloo, IL 62298
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 Monroe County Operations
Based on Monroe County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs emphasize erosion control on steep slopes and stream bank stabilization. Grazing management practices are promoted for cattle operations on hillsides.
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 Monroe County: Randolph County, Illinois, St. Clair County, Illinois, Jefferson County, Missouri, Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri, and St. Louis County, Missouri. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Monroe 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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