Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Howard County
Elevation across Howard County averages about 1,287 feet. The county falls within the Eastern Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies (MLRA 104) land resource region.
The growing season in Howard County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 37.4 inches per year. January lows average around 7°F while July highs reach about 81°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 869 farms in Howard County, operating across 296,769 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 342 acres. Top commodities include hogs, corn, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Hogs, Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Dairy, Poultry |
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 Howard County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
311 7th St SW Ste 1, Cresco, IA 52136
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 Howard County Operations
Based on Howard County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Cold water stream protection programs maintain habitat for native trout through riparian management and grazing controls. Dairy farm modernization assistance helps smaller operations improve efficiency and environmental compliance.
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 Howard County: Chickasaw County, Iowa, Floyd County, Iowa, Mitchell County, Iowa, Winneshiek County, Iowa, Fillmore County, Minnesota, and Mower County, Minnesota. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Howard 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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