Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Clinton County
Elevation across Clinton County averages about 784 feet. The county falls within the Upper Mississippi River Bedrock Controlled Uplands and Valleys (MLRA 105) land resource region.
The growing season in Clinton County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 37.8 inches per year. January lows average around 13°F while July highs reach about 84°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,147 farms in Clinton County, operating across 352,926 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 308 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Central Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Hogs, Dairy, Sheep |
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 Clinton County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1212 17th Ave, De Witt, IA 52742
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 Clinton County
The forage year in Clinton County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 17,275 acres of pastureland and 34,282 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Clinton County
About 20% of Clinton County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 19% of farms are small and 11% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 308 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Clinton County
With cattle and corn in the mix in Clinton 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 Clinton County Operations
Based on Clinton County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Mississippi River watershed protection emphasizes riparian buffers and nutrient management practices. Farmers in flood-prone areas participate in programs that enhance resilience while maintaining agricultural 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 Clinton County: Carroll County, Illinois, Rock Island County, Illinois, Whiteside County, Illinois, Cedar County, Iowa, Jackson County, Iowa, and Jones County, Iowa. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Clinton 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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