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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Pope County
Elevation across Pope County averages about 696 feet. The county falls within the Kentucky and Indiana Sandstone and Shale Hills and Valleys, Southern Part (MLRA 120A) land resource region.
The growing season in Pope County spans roughly 334 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 49.9 inches per year. January lows average around 26°F while July highs reach about 88°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 332 farms in Pope County, operating across 77,364 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 233 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, corn, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southern Illinois |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Cattle & calves, Horses, Fruit & tree nuts, Poultry |
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 Pope 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.
Forage and Grazing in Pope County
The forage year in Pope County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in May (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 11,913 acres of pastureland and 2,175 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Pope County
About 31% of Pope County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 15% of farms are small and 8% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 233 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Pope County
Given the operation mix in Pope County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and brush management for rangeland. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Pope County Operations
Based on Pope County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP funding focuses on forest management and erosion control on steep slopes. CRP enrollment helps protect sensitive hillside areas while providing wildlife habitat in the Shawnee National Forest region.
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 Pope County: Hardin County, Illinois, Johnson County, Illinois, Massac County, Illinois, Saline County, Illinois, Williamson County, Illinois, and Livingston County, Kentucky. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Pope 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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