← Illinois Farm Programs Guide

Pope County, Illinois

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

Pope County features rugged terrain within the Shawnee National Forest, with steep hills and deep valleys carved by tributaries of the Ohio River. The county contains parts of the Garden of the Gods wilderness area and extensive forested bluffs overlooking the Ohio River valley.

Agriculture in Pope County is limited by the hilly, forested terrain, with most farming occurring in small valleys and bottomlands. Cattle grazing and hay production dominate, with some small-scale vegetable and fruit operations taking advantage of the county's scenic location.

Quick Facts
RegionSouthern Illinois
Top CommoditiesSoybeans, Corn, Cattle & calves, Horses, Fruit & tree nuts, Poultry
Farms & Ranches~180 (approx.)
Agricultural Land~77,000 acres
Average Farm Size~233 acres

Find Your Local USDA Offices

Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS and FSA under one roof.

Find your Service Center:

→ USDA Service Center Locator

Search for "Pope County" to find your local NRCS and FSA offices.

What to do when you call: Ask for a conservation planner (EQIP/CSP) or loan officer (FSA). Mention your operation type and planned improvements.

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 — 2 minutes, personalized action packet.

Local Conservation Priorities

EQIP applications addressing local priorities score higher in ranking.

We don't have Pope County's specific LWG priorities yet.

Ask your local NRCS office: "What are the priority resource concerns in Pope County?"

Your Next Steps in Pope County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Illinois guide: Illinois Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Free for everyone.