Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Monroe County
Elevation across Monroe County averages about 790 feet. The county falls within the Iowa and Missouri Heavy Till Plain (MLRA 109) land resource region.
The growing season in Monroe County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 36.7 inches per year. January lows average around 14°F while July highs reach about 85°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 620 farms in Monroe County, operating across 197,145 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 318 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and sorghum.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Fruit & tree nuts, Vegetables, Grain sorghum, Horses |
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 Monroe County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1701 S B St, Albia, IA 52531
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 Monroe County
The forage year in Monroe County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 38,991 acres of pastureland and 11,700 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Monroe County
About 22% of Monroe County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 13% of farms are small and 9% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 318 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Monroe County
Given the operation mix in Monroe County, the practices that most often come up are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground. 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 Monroe County Operations
Based on Monroe County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Mine land reclamation programs continue to improve soil productivity on former coal sites. Steep slope conservation practices prevent erosion and protect water quality in tributary watersheds.
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 Monroe County: Appanoose County, Iowa, Davis County, Iowa, Lucas County, Iowa, Mahaska County, Iowa, Marion County, Iowa, and Wapello County, Iowa. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Monroe 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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