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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Stark County
Stark County is part of the Illinois and Iowa Deep Loess and Drift land resource region (MLRA 108). The county's mean elevation is about 734 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Stark County sees 38.0 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 50.4°F mean annual temperature.
Stark County carries 1,579 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 4,052 acres. 346 farms operate in the county, averaging 471 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central Illinois |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Horses |
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 Stark County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
1511 University Ct, Henry, IL 61537
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
7419a State Rt 17, Toulon, IL 61483
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 Stark County Operations
Based on Stark County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
CSP emphasizes soil health maintenance through cover crops and advanced rotation systems on premium farmland. EQIP supports precision agriculture technology adoption and conservation tillage practices to protect soil quality.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Stark County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Bureau County, Illinois, Henry County, Illinois, Knox County, Illinois, Marshall County, Illinois, and Peoria County, Illinois. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Stark 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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