Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Dallas County
Elevation across Dallas County averages about 963 feet. The county falls within the Central Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies (MLRA 103) land resource region.
The growing season in Dallas County spans roughly 244 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 35.3 inches per year. January lows average around 12°F while July highs reach about 85°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 901 farms in Dallas County, operating across 287,842 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 319 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Poultry, Hogs, Vegetables |
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 Dallas County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1918 Greene St, Adel, IA 50003
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 Dallas County Operations
Based on Dallas County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Urban interface management and water quality protection for Des Moines area watersheds are key priorities. Farmers implement conservation practices that address both agricultural productivity and urban water supply protection.
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 Dallas County: Adair County, Iowa, Boone County, Iowa, Greene County, Iowa, Guthrie County, Iowa, Madison County, Iowa, and Polk County, Iowa. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Dallas 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.