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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: 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 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.
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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