← Illinois Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Randolph County
Randolph County is part of the Southern Illinois and Indiana Thin Loess and Till Plain land resource region (MLRA 114). The county's mean elevation is about 506 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Randolph County sees 43.5 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 56.3°F mean annual temperature.
Randolph County carries 4,981 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 9,299 acres. 744 farms operate in the county, averaging 342 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southern Illinois |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Wheat, Cattle & calves, Berries, Sheep |
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 Randolph County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
1213 N 14th St, Murphysboro, IL 62966
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
313 W Belmont St, Sparta, IL 62286
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 Randolph County Operations
Based on Randolph County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP addresses both soil conservation on steep slopes and drainage management in bottomland areas. CRP enrollment focuses on highly erodible hillsides and riparian buffers along the Kaskaskia River system.
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 Randolph County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Jackson County, Illinois, Monroe County, Illinois, Perry County, Illinois, St. Clair County, Illinois, Washington County, Illinois, and Perry County, Missouri. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Randolph County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Illinois guide: Illinois Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.