Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Lucas County
Elevation across Lucas County averages about 1,020 feet. The county falls within the Iowa and Missouri Heavy Till Plain (MLRA 109) land resource region.
The growing season in Lucas County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 37.2 inches per year. January lows average around 14°F while July highs reach about 85°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 594 farms in Lucas County, operating across 177,001 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 298 acres. Top commodities include corn, cattle, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Floriculture, Wheat, 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 Lucas County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
21792 490th St, Chariton, IA 50049
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 Lucas County
The forage year in Lucas County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 46,012 acres of pastureland and 11,162 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Lucas County
About 22% of Lucas County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 20% of farms are small and 10% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 298 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Lucas County
Lucas County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, corn, and cattle. 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 rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Lucas County Operations
Based on Lucas County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Soil conservation programs address erosion challenges on the county's steep slopes and erodible soils. Grassland conservation supports both cattle grazing and wildlife habitat.
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 Lucas County: Appanoose County, Iowa, Clarke County, Iowa, Decatur County, Iowa, Marion County, Iowa, Monroe County, Iowa, and Warren County, Iowa. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Lucas 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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