Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Mahaska County
Mahaska County lies in the Illinois and Iowa Deep Loess and Drift (MLRA 108) region. Elevation averages about 756 feet.
Mahaska County averages 36.6 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 50.1°F.
Mahaska County's agricultural base centers on hogs, corn, and soybeans. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 881 farms working 304,832 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 10,616 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Hogs, Corn, Soybeans, Sheep, Fruit & tree nuts, Bison |
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 Mahaska County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2503 Todd St, Oskaloosa, IA 52577
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 Mahaska County
Mahaska County reported 10,616 head of cattle across roughly 15,297 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows June green-up and a July growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Mahaska County.
Farm Structure in Mahaska County
Mahaska County reports about 223 acres under irrigation. Farms average 346 acres, with about 16% classed as small operations. Around 27% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Mahaska County
Given the operation mix in Mahaska County, the practices that most often come up are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground, and waste management and nutrient planning for confined livestock operations. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Mahaska County Operations
Based on Mahaska County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Bioenergy programs support local ethanol production and value-added agriculture. Mine land restoration continues to improve productivity on former coal mining sites.
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
Counties Bordering Mahaska County
Mahaska County shares borders with Jasper County, Iowa, Keokuk County, Iowa, Marion County, Iowa, Monroe County, Iowa, Poweshiek County, Iowa, and Wapello County, Iowa. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Mahaska 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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