Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Lee County
Lee County is part of the Iowa and Missouri Heavy Till Plain land resource region (MLRA 109). The county's mean elevation is about 649 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Lee County sees 39.0 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 51.9°F mean annual temperature.
Lee County carries 7,665 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 16,081 acres. 804 farms operate in the county, averaging 278 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Dairy, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Lee County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
503 Elm, Donnellson, IA 52625
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 Lee County Operations
Based on Lee County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Mississippi River corridor programs focus on preventing agricultural runoff and managing flood risks. Steep slope conservation practices prevent erosion on bluff lands.
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 Lee County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Hancock County, Illinois, Henderson County, Illinois, Des Moines County, Iowa, Henry County, Iowa, Van Buren County, Iowa, and Clark County, Missouri. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Lee 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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