Adair County, Iowa: USDA programs and conservation funding

748
Farms & Ranches
348K
Acres in Agriculture
465
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$31.4M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Soybeans, Cattle, Field Crops, Other
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Adair County, Iowa has 748 farms working 348,125 agricultural acres (average 465 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $31.4 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Soybeans. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

← Iowa Farm Programs Guide

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

RegionSouthwest Iowa
Top CommoditiesCorn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Horses, Vegetables, Sheep

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 Adair County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

705 NE 6th St, Greenfield, IA 50849

(641) 343-7033

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 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

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

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water DevelopmentCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.24
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.91
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Adair County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.