Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Franklin County
Franklin County is part of the Central Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies land resource region (MLRA 103). The county's mean elevation is about 1,215 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Franklin County sees 36.3 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 46.5°F mean annual temperature.
Franklin County carries 2,817 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 4,112 acres. 849 farms operate in the county, averaging 394 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Hogs, Corn, Soybeans, Sheep, Goats, 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 Franklin County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1019 4th St SE, Hampton, IA 50441
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 Franklin County Operations
Based on Franklin County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Prairie pothole restoration programs work to reestablish wetland habitat in low-lying areas. Precision agriculture initiatives help farmers optimize fertilizer applications on the highly productive soils.
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 Franklin County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Butler County, Iowa, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, Floyd County, Iowa, Grundy County, Iowa, Hamilton County, Iowa, and Hancock County, Iowa. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Franklin 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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