Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Lyon County
Lyon County is part of the Loess Uplands land resource region (MLRA 102C). The county's mean elevation is about 1,409 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Lyon County sees 29.2 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 46.0°F mean annual temperature.
Lyon County carries 74,162 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 19,102 acres. 1,015 farms operate in the county, averaging 311 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwest Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Hogs, Cattle & calves, Corn, Dairy, Soybeans, Floriculture |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 4+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Lyon County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
710 N 2nd Ave E, Rock Rapids, IA 51246
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 Lyon County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Lyon County greening up around June and peaking in July. The county carries about 19,102 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 Lyon County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Lyon County at an average farm size of 311 acres, 16% small operations, 19% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 1,875 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 Lyon County
Lyon County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were hogs, grain, 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 dairies, waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage; and for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Lyon County Operations
Based on Lyon County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Water quality programs focus on managing nutrients from intensive livestock operations. Wind erosion control becomes important during dry periods on the open prairie landscape.
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 Lyon County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include O'Brien County, Iowa, Osceola County, Iowa, Sioux County, Iowa, Nobles County, Minnesota, Rock County, Minnesota, and Lincoln County, South Dakota. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Lyon 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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