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 2026-09-08
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 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.
Forage and Grazing in Dallas County
The forage year in Dallas County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 12,022 acres of pastureland and 16,382 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Dallas County
About 24% of Dallas County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 31% 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 319 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Dallas County
Given the operation mix in Dallas 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 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
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