← Illinois Farm Programs Guide

Shelby County, Illinois

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

Shelby County features gently rolling prairie terrain with deep, well-drained soils and numerous small creeks and drainage ways. The county sits in the heart of Illinois' most productive agricultural region with uniform, high-quality farmland.

Agriculture is dominated by intensive corn and soybean production on some of Illinois' most fertile soils, with large operations utilizing the latest technology in precision agriculture. Many farms also include cattle feeding operations and grain storage facilities.

Quick Facts
RegionCentral Illinois
Top CommoditiesCorn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Hogs, Dairy, Vegetables
Farms & Ranches~680 (approx.)
Agricultural Land~360,000 acres
Average Farm Size~300 acres

Find Your Local USDA Offices

Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS and FSA under one roof.

Find your Service Center:

→ USDA Service Center Locator

Search for "Shelby County" to find your local NRCS and FSA offices.

What to do when you call: Ask for a conservation planner (EQIP/CSP) or loan officer (FSA). Mention your operation type and planned improvements.

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 — 2 minutes, personalized action packet.

Local Conservation Priorities

EQIP applications addressing local priorities score higher in ranking.

We don't have Shelby County's specific LWG priorities yet.

Ask your local NRCS office: "What are the priority resource concerns in Shelby County?"

Your Next Steps in Shelby County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Illinois guide: Illinois Farm Programs Guide

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