Harrison County, Iowa: USDA programs and conservation funding

811
Farms & Ranches
374K
Acres in Agriculture
462
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$19.2M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Soybeans, Cattle, Hogs
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Harrison County, Iowa has 811 farms working 374,383 agricultural acres (average 462 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $19.2 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Soybeans. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

Programs likely to fit Harrison County operations

With 811 farms averaging 462 acres, a grain and corn commodity base, vegetation peaking near Jul at 0.80 NDVI, these are the federal programs most worth a closer look. Every program is competitive — confirm fit with your local USDA office.

← Iowa Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Harrison County

Elevation across Harrison County averages about 1,102 feet. The county falls within the Iowa and Missouri Deep Loess Hills (MLRA 107) land resource region.

The growing season in Harrison County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 32.6 inches per year. January lows average around 12°F while July highs reach about 85°F.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 811 farms in Harrison County, operating across 374,383 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 462 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and cattle.


Quick Facts

RegionWest Central Iowa
Top CommoditiesCorn, Soybeans, Poultry, Cattle & calves, Hogs, Fruit & tree nuts

Current Conditions

Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.

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 Harrison County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

2710 Highway 127, Logan, IA 51546

(712) 644-2040

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 Harrison County

The forage year in Harrison County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 19,095 acres of pastureland and 8,578 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.


Farm Structure in Harrison County

About 27% of Harrison County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 16% of farms are small and 15% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 462 acres.


What Tends to Fit in Harrison County

Harrison 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 Harrison County Operations

Based on Harrison County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Loess Hills conservation programs protect this unique ecosystem through grazing management and erosion control measures. Boyer River watershed initiatives include riparian buffers and stream bank stabilization projects.

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 Harrison County: Crawford County, Iowa, Monona County, Iowa, Pottawattamie County, Iowa, Shelby County, Iowa, Burt County, Nebraska, and Washington County, Nebraska. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.

Your Next Steps in Harrison County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Iowa guide: Iowa Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP FencingCRPEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.30
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.80
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Harrison County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.