Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Decatur County
Decatur County lies in the Iowa and Missouri Heavy Till Plain (MLRA 109) region. Elevation averages about 1,074 feet.
Decatur County averages 37.9 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 50.7°F.
Decatur County's agricultural base centers on cattle, hogs, and corn. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 666 farms working 231,581 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 19,243 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Hogs, Corn, Soybeans, Poultry, Dairy |
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 Decatur County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
303 SW Lorraine St, Leon, IA 50144
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
709 Furnas Dr, Osceola, IA 50213
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 Decatur County
Decatur County reported 19,243 head of cattle across roughly 54,852 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows May green-up and a June growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Decatur County.
Farm Structure in Decatur County
Decatur County reports about 6 acres under irrigation. Farms average 348 acres, with about 14% classed as small operations. Around 25% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Decatur County
Decatur County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, cattle, and hogs. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for confined livestock operations, waste management and nutrient planning. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Decatur County Operations
Based on Decatur County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Grassland conservation programs are heavily utilized to maintain habitat for declining grassland bird species. Livestock producers frequently participate in programs that improve pasture management and water systems.
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
Counties Bordering Decatur County
Decatur County shares borders with Clarke County, Iowa, Lucas County, Iowa, Ringgold County, Iowa, Union County, Iowa, Wayne County, Iowa, and Harrison County, Missouri. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Decatur 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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