Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Marshall County
Marshall County lies in the Illinois and Iowa Deep Loess and Drift (MLRA 108) region. Elevation averages about 1,030 feet.
Marshall County averages 36.1 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 48.2°F.
Marshall County's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and hogs. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 898 farms working 333,581 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 14,522 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Poultry, Sheep, Horses |
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 Marshall County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2608 S 2nd St, Marshalltown, IA 50158
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 Marshall County Operations
Based on Marshall County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Precision agriculture adoption is high due to large farm sizes and productive soils. Iowa River watershed programs focus on nutrient management and sediment reduction.
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 Marshall County
Marshall County shares borders with Grundy County, Iowa, Hardin County, Iowa, Jasper County, Iowa, Poweshiek County, Iowa, Story County, Iowa, and Tama 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 Marshall 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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