Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Clayton County
Clayton County is part of the Upper Mississippi River Bedrock Controlled Uplands and Valleys land resource region (MLRA 105). The county's mean elevation is about 991 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Clayton County sees 38.3 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 46.7°F mean annual temperature.
Clayton County carries 36,053 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 27,292 acres. 1,631 farms operate in the county, averaging 264 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Dairy, Fruit & tree nuts |
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 Clayton County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
500 Gunder Rd NE, Elkader, IA 52043
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 Clayton County Operations
Based on Clayton County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Steep slope management and Mississippi River watershed protection are critical conservation priorities. Programs emphasize rotational grazing, forest stewardship, and erosion control measures suited to the challenging topography.
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 Clayton County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Allamakee County, Iowa, Buchanan County, Iowa, Delaware County, Iowa, Dubuque County, Iowa, Fayette County, Iowa, and Winneshiek County, Iowa. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Clayton 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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