Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Grundy County
Grundy County lies in the Eastern Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies (MLRA 104) region. Elevation averages about 1,005 feet.
Grundy County averages 36.4 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 47.3°F.
Grundy County's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and hogs. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 670 farms working 320,623 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 4,300 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Horses, Sheep |
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 Grundy County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
805 W 4th St, Grundy Center, IA 50638
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 Grundy County
Grundy County reported 4,300 head of cattle across roughly 4,619 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows June green-up and a July 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 Grundy County.
Farm Structure in Grundy County
Farms average 479 acres, with about 19% classed as small operations. Around 22% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Grundy County
Grundy County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, corn, and soybeans. 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 Grundy County Operations
Based on Grundy County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Soil health programs emphasize maintaining organic matter levels in these highly productive soils through cover crops and reduced tillage. Drainage management systems optimize water removal while minimizing nutrient loss.
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 Grundy County
Grundy County shares borders with Black Hawk County, Iowa, Butler County, Iowa, Franklin County, Iowa, Hardin County, Iowa, Marshall County, Iowa, and Tama County, Iowa. 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 Grundy 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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