Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Butler County
Elevation across Butler County averages about 1,029 feet. The county falls within the Eastern Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies (MLRA 104) land resource region.
The growing season in Butler County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 36.5 inches per year. January lows average around 9°F while July highs reach about 83°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,063 farms in Butler County, operating across 327,856 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 308 acres. Top commodities include corn, hogs, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Hogs, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Dairy, 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 Butler County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
310 Allan St, Allison, IA 50602
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 Butler County Operations
Based on Butler County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Prairie pothole restoration and wetland conservation are emphasized to support wildlife habitat. Soil health practices including cover crops and reduced tillage are widely adopted to maintain productivity.
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 Butler County: Black Hawk County, Iowa, Bremer County, Iowa, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, Chickasaw County, Iowa, Floyd County, Iowa, and Franklin County, Iowa. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Butler 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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