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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Washington County
Washington County sits within the Southern Illinois and Indiana Thin Loess and Till Plain (MLRA 114) region. Elevation averages about 494 feet.
Temperatures in Washington County range from a January mean low of 23°F to a July mean high near 88°F. Annual precipitation averages 44.2 inches. Expect about 275 frost-free days.
Washington County ran 635 farms, 326,641 acres of farmland, and 3,014 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, soybeans, and hogs.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southern Illinois |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Wheat, Dairy, Cattle & calves |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 Washington County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
1790 N 4th St, Breese, IL 62230
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
424 E Holzhauer Dr, Nashville, IL 62263
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 Washington County Operations
Based on Washington County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP supports both crop production improvements and livestock facility upgrades for diversified operations. CRP enrollment focuses on highly erodible areas and provides wildlife habitat enhancement.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Clinton County, Illinois, Jefferson County, Illinois, Marion County, Illinois, Perry County, Illinois, Randolph County, Illinois, and St. Clair County, Illinois. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Washington 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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