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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Saline County
Saline County lies in the Central Claypan Areas (MLRA 113) region. Elevation averages about 363 feet.
Saline County averages 48.4 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 334 days. Annual mean temperature is 56.6°F.
Saline County's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and hogs. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 393 farms working 159,177 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 3,669 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southern Illinois |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Poultry, Cattle & calves, Wheat |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Saline County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
711 N Duquoin St, Benton, IL 62812
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
912 S Commercial St, Harrisburg, IL 62946
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 Saline County Operations
Based on Saline County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP emphasizes pasture improvement and rotational grazing systems to maximize forage production. CRP protects highly erodible slopes while providing additional income for livestock operations.
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
Counties Bordering Saline County
Saline County shares borders with Franklin County, Illinois, Gallatin County, Illinois, Hamilton County, Illinois, Hardin County, Illinois, Johnson County, Illinois, and Pope County, Illinois. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Saline 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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