Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Dubuque County
Dubuque County is part of the Upper Mississippi River Bedrock Controlled Uplands and Valleys land resource region (MLRA 105). The county's mean elevation is about 1,048 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Dubuque County sees 38.6 in of rain, a 244-day growing season, a 47.5°F mean annual temperature.
Dubuque County carries 61,880 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 21,304 acres. 1,554 farms operate in the county, averaging 205 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Cattle & calves, Dairy, Hogs, Soybeans, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Dubuque County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
210 Bierman Rd, Epworth, IA 52045
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 Dubuque County Operations
Based on Dubuque County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Mississippi River watershed protection drives many conservation initiatives, particularly buffer strips and erosion control. Urban proximity programs help beginning farmers access land and markets in the Dubuque metropolitan area.
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 Dubuque County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Jo Daviess County, Illinois, Clayton County, Iowa, Delaware County, Iowa, Jackson County, Iowa, Jones County, Iowa, and Grant County, Wisconsin. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Dubuque 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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