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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Shelby County
Elevation across Shelby County averages about 604 feet. The county falls within the Illinois and Iowa Deep Loess and Drift (MLRA 108) land resource region.
The growing season in Shelby County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 41.7 inches per year. January lows average around 20°F while July highs reach about 86°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,199 farms in Shelby County, operating across 359,447 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 300 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Illinois |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Hogs, Dairy, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
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 Shelby County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
2201 Willenborg St - Suite 10, Effingham, IL 62401
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
111 N Cedar St, Shelbyville, IL 62565
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.
Forage and Grazing in Shelby County
The forage year in Shelby County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 8,486 acres of pastureland and 5,241 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Shelby County
About 22% of Shelby County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 22% of farms are small and 12% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 300 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Shelby County
Shelby County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, corn, and soybeans. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for confined livestock operations, waste management and nutrient planning. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Shelby County Operations
Based on Shelby County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
CSP promotes advanced conservation practices including cover crops and precision nutrient management on high-value farmland. EQIP supports modernization of livestock facilities and implementation of comprehensive nutrient management plans.
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 Shelby County: Christian County, Illinois, Coles County, Illinois, Cumberland County, Illinois, Effingham County, Illinois, Fayette County, Illinois, and Macon County, Illinois. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Shelby 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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