Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Adair County
Elevation across Adair County averages about 1,252 feet. The county falls within the Illinois and Iowa Deep Loess and Drift (MLRA 108) land resource region.
The growing season in Adair County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 36.1 inches per year. January lows average around 12°F while July highs reach about 84°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 748 farms in Adair County, operating across 348,125 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 465 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Horses, Vegetables, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Adair County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
705 NE 6th St, Greenfield, IA 50849
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 Adair County
The forage year in Adair County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 44,043 acres of pastureland and 21,640 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Adair County
About 25% of Adair County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 12% of farms are small and 15% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 465 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Adair County
With cattle and corn in the mix in Adair County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and brush management (rangeland). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Adair County Operations
Based on Adair County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus on grassland management and erosion control on sloping terrain. Livestock producers utilize grazing management practices to maintain pasture health and water 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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Adair County: Adams County, Iowa, Audubon County, Iowa, Cass County, Iowa, Dallas County, Iowa, Guthrie County, Iowa, and Madison County, Iowa. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Adair County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Iowa guide: Iowa Farm Programs Guide
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