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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Putnam County
Elevation across Putnam County averages about 549 feet. The county falls within the Central Mississippi Valley Wooded Slopes (MLRA 115) land resource region.
The growing season in Putnam County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 37.1 inches per year. January lows average around 15°F while July highs reach about 85°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 166 farms in Putnam County, operating across 51,822 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 312 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and flowering plants, potted.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central Illinois |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Poultry |
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 Putnam County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1511 University Ct, Henry, IL 61537
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 Putnam County Operations
Based on Putnam County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
CSP promotes conservation tillage and cover crop adoption to protect soil health on highly productive farmland. EQIP assists with precision agriculture technology and nutrient management systems to optimize fertilizer use.
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 Putnam County: Bureau County, Illinois, LaSalle County, Illinois, and Marshall County, Illinois. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Putnam 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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