Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Henry County
Henry County is part of the Illinois and Iowa Deep Loess and Drift land resource region (MLRA 108). The county's mean elevation is about 730 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Henry County sees 38.1 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 50.7°F mean annual temperature.
Henry County carries 4,504 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 12,172 acres. 831 farms operate in the county, averaging 281 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Poultry, Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts |
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 Henry County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
709 South Iris, Mt Pleasant, IA 52641
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 Henry County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Henry County greening up around June and peaking in July. The county carries about 12,172 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Henry County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Henry County at an average farm size of 281 acres, 20% small operations, 27% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 44 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Henry County
Henry 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 Henry County Operations
Based on Henry County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Skunk River watershed management emphasizes nutrient reduction through cover crops and precision fertilizer application. Integrated pest management programs help farmers reduce chemical inputs while maintaining profitable yields.
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 Henry County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Des Moines County, Iowa, Jefferson County, Iowa, Lee County, Iowa, Louisa County, Iowa, Van Buren County, Iowa, and Washington County, Iowa. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Henry 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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