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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Richland County
Elevation across Richland County averages about 462 feet. The county falls within the Central Claypan Areas (MLRA 113) land resource region.
The growing season in Richland County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 46.6 inches per year. January lows average around 23°F while July highs reach about 87°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 548 farms in Richland County, operating across 214,131 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 391 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and hogs.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Illinois |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts |
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 Richland County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
23 Industrial Dr, Fairfield, IL 62837
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
1502 South West St, Olney, IL 62450
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 Richland County Operations
Based on Richland County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
CRP targets marginal cropland and provides wildlife habitat enhancement across the prairie landscape. EQIP supports installation of drainage tile systems and livestock watering facilities to improve farm productivity.
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 Richland County: Clay County, Illinois, Crawford County, Illinois, Edwards County, Illinois, Jasper County, Illinois, Lawrence County, Illinois, and Wabash County, Illinois. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Richland 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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