Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Clarke County
Clarke County lies in the Iowa and Missouri Heavy Till Plain (MLRA 109) region. Elevation averages about 1,118 feet.
Clarke County averages 37.2 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 50.1°F.
Clarke County's agricultural base centers on hogs, corn, and equine. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 649 farms working 177,968 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 13,906 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Hogs, Corn, Horses, Sheep, Goats, Fruit & tree nuts |
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 Clarke County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
709 Furnas Dr, Osceola, IA 50213
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 Clarke County
Clarke County reported 13,906 head of cattle across roughly 38,904 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a June 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 Clarke County.
Farm Structure in Clarke County
Farms average 274 acres, with about 12% classed as small operations. Around 26% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Clarke County
With equine and corn in the mix in Clarke County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and waste management and nutrient planning (confined livestock operations). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Clarke County Operations
Based on Clarke County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Grassland conservation and erosion control are emphasized on the county's rolling terrain. Livestock producers participate in grazing management programs that enhance pasture productivity while protecting soil 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
Counties Bordering Clarke County
Clarke County shares borders with Decatur County, Iowa, Lucas County, Iowa, Madison County, Iowa, Ringgold County, Iowa, Union County, Iowa, and Warren 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 Clarke County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Iowa guide: Iowa Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.