Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Montgomery County
Montgomery County is part of the Iowa and Missouri Deep Loess Hills land resource region (MLRA 107). The county's mean elevation is about 1,201 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Montgomery County sees 35.9 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 50.4°F mean annual temperature.
Montgomery County carries 6,265 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 15,520 acres. 487 farms operate in the county, averaging 488 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Hogs, Fruit & tree nuts, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Montgomery County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2505 N Broadway St, Red Oak, IA 51566
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 Montgomery County Operations
Based on Montgomery County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Nodaway River watershed programs focus on reducing sediment and nutrient loading. Conservation tillage and cover crops help protect the rolling prairie soils from erosion.
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 Montgomery County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Adams County, Iowa, Cass County, Iowa, Fremont County, Iowa, Mills County, Iowa, Page County, Iowa, and Pottawattamie County, Iowa. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Montgomery 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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