Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Cass County
Cass County is part of the Iowa and Missouri Deep Loess Hills land resource region (MLRA 107). The county's mean elevation is about 1,250 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Cass County sees 35.9 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 49.3°F mean annual temperature.
Cass County carries 21,820 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 25,757 acres. 688 farms operate in the county, averaging 437 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Hogs, 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 Cass County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
503 W 7th St, Atlantic, IA 50022
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 Cass County Operations
Based on Cass County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Erosion control and grassland management are emphasized on the county's rolling terrain. Conservation programs support rotational grazing systems and buffer strips along waterways to protect soil and water resources.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Cass County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Adair County, Iowa, Adams County, Iowa, Audubon County, Iowa, Guthrie County, Iowa, Montgomery County, Iowa, and Pottawattamie County, Iowa. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Cass 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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