Allamakee County, Iowa: USDA programs and conservation funding

1,034
Farms & Ranches
304K
Acres in Agriculture
294
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$56.7M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Milk, Hogs, Cattle
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Allamakee County, Iowa has 1,034 farms working 304,451 agricultural acres (average 294 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $56.7 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Milk. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Allamakee County

Elevation across Allamakee County averages about 1,120 feet. The county falls within the Upper Mississippi River Bedrock Controlled Uplands and Valleys (MLRA 105) land resource region.

The growing season in Allamakee County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 38.3 inches per year. January lows average around 9°F while July highs reach about 82°F.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,034 farms in Allamakee County, operating across 304,451 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 294 acres. Top commodities include corn, milk, and hogs.


Quick Facts

RegionNortheast Iowa
Top CommoditiesCorn, Dairy, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Horses

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 Allamakee County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

770 11th Ave SW, Waukon, IA 52171

(563) 568-2148

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 Allamakee County Operations

Based on Allamakee County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Steep slope management and riparian buffers along streams are conservation priorities. Programs emphasize rotational grazing systems and forest stewardship to protect the unique ecosystem.

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 Allamakee County: Clayton County, Iowa, Fayette County, Iowa, Winneshiek County, Iowa, Houston County, Minnesota, Crawford County, Wisconsin, and Vernon County, Wisconsin. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.

Your Next Steps in Allamakee 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 FencingCRPEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSP

Vegetation Baseline

0.42
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.84
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Allamakee 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.