Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Cedar County
Cedar County lies in the Illinois and Iowa Deep Loess and Drift (MLRA 108) region. Elevation averages about 819 feet.
Cedar County averages 37.8 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 244 days. Annual mean temperature is 49.0°F.
Cedar County's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and hogs. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 912 farms working 366,548 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 10,668 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Central Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 Cedar County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
205 W South St Ste 3, Tipton, IA 52772
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 Cedar County
Cedar County reported 10,668 head of cattle across roughly 10,996 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a July growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Cedar County.
Farm Structure in Cedar County
Cedar County reports about 340 acres under irrigation. Farms average 402 acres, with about 19% classed as small operations. Around 27% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Cedar County
Cedar County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, corn, and soybeans. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for confined livestock operations, waste management and nutrient planning. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Cedar County Operations
Based on Cedar County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Cedar River watershed protection emphasizes nutrient management and riparian conservation practices. Farmers adopt precision agriculture technologies and soil health practices to maintain high productivity sustainably.
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
Counties Bordering Cedar County
Cedar County shares borders with Clinton County, Iowa, Johnson County, Iowa, Jones County, Iowa, Linn County, Iowa, Muscatine County, Iowa, and Scott County, Iowa. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Cedar 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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