Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Boone County
Boone County sits within the Central Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies (MLRA 103) region. Elevation averages about 899 feet.
Temperatures in Boone County range from a January mean low of 11°F to a July mean high near 84°F. Annual precipitation averages 36.0 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.
Boone County ran 1,008 farms, 333,540 acres of farmland, and 4,201 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, soybeans, and hogs.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries |
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 Boone County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1602 Snedden Dr, Boone, IA 50036
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 Boone County Operations
Based on Boone County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Soil health and nutrient management practices are emphasized to maintain productivity on prime farmland. Conservation efforts include cover crops and precision application technologies to optimize inputs.
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 Dallas County, Iowa, Greene County, Iowa, Hamilton County, Iowa, Polk County, Iowa, Story County, Iowa, and Webster County, Iowa. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Boone 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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