Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Monona County
Monona County is part of the Iowa and Missouri Deep Loess Hills land resource region (MLRA 107). The county's mean elevation is about 1,220 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Monona County sees 30.9 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 49.0°F mean annual temperature.
Monona County carries 7,440 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 14,263 acres. 669 farms operate in the county, averaging 607 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | West Central Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Hogs, Wheat, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Monona County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
211 Iowa Ave, Onawa, IA 51040
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 Monona County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Monona County greening up around May and peaking in July. The county carries about 14,263 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 Monona County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Monona County at an average farm size of 607 acres, 8% small operations, 23% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 89,905 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 Monona County
With cattle and corn in the mix in Monona County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and waste management and nutrient planning (confined livestock operations). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Monona County Operations
Based on Monona County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Loess hills erosion control is critical with specialized practices for the unique soil conditions. Missouri River corridor management balances flood protection with agricultural productivity.
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 Monona County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Crawford County, Iowa, Harrison County, Iowa, Ida County, Iowa, Woodbury County, Iowa, Burt County, Nebraska, and Thurston County, Nebraska. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Monona 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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