Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Audubon County
Elevation across Audubon County averages about 1,308 feet. The county falls within the Iowa and Missouri Deep Loess Hills (MLRA 107) land resource region.
The growing season in Audubon County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 35.4 inches per year. January lows average around 11°F while July highs reach about 84°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 593 farms in Audubon County, operating across 256,116 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 432 acres. Top commodities include hogs, corn, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | West Central Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Hogs, Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Poultry |
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 Audubon County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
900 4th Ave, Audubon, IA 50025
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 Audubon County
The forage year in Audubon County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in August (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 9,108 acres of pastureland and 14,417 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Audubon County
About 24% of Audubon County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 16% 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 432 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Audubon County
Given the operation mix in Audubon County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and waste management and nutrient planning for confined livestock operations. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Audubon County Operations
Based on Audubon County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Soil health initiatives and drainage management are key conservation priorities on productive cropland. Farmers implement cover crops and nutrient management practices to optimize yields while protecting 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 Audubon County: Adair County, Iowa, Carroll County, Iowa, Cass County, Iowa, Crawford County, Iowa, Guthrie County, Iowa, and Shelby County, Iowa. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Audubon 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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