Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Crawford County
Crawford County is part of the Iowa and Missouri Deep Loess Hills land resource region (MLRA 107). The county's mean elevation is about 1,323 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Crawford County sees 33.6 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 48.0°F mean annual temperature.
Crawford County carries 20,055 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 19,949 acres. 951 farms operate in the county, averaging 462 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | West Central Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Hogs, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Sheep, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Crawford County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
3707 Timberline Dr, Denison, IA 51442
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 Crawford County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Crawford County greening up around April and peaking in May. The county carries about 19,949 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Crawford County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Crawford County at an average farm size of 462 acres, 15% small operations, 24% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 367 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Crawford County
Given the operation mix in Crawford County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and waste management and nutrient planning for confined livestock operations. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Crawford County Operations
Based on Crawford County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Soil conservation and nutrient management are priorities on the county's rolling terrain and productive cropland. Livestock operations focus on waste management systems and grazing practices that protect water quality.
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 Crawford County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Audubon County, Iowa, Carroll County, Iowa, Harrison County, Iowa, Ida County, Iowa, Monona County, Iowa, and Sac County, Iowa. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Crawford 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.