Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Polk County
Elevation across Polk County averages about 887 feet. The county falls within the Central Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies (MLRA 103) land resource region.
The growing season in Polk County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 35.8 inches per year. January lows average around 13°F while July highs reach about 85°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 768 farms in Polk County, operating across 179,322 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 233 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Vegetables, Berries, Horses, Sheep |
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 Polk County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1513 N Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023
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 Polk County Operations
Based on Polk County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize urban-edge farming practices and beginning farmer support due to proximity to Des Moines employment opportunities. Conservation efforts focus on protecting water quality for the metropolitan area and managing development pressure.
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 Polk County: Boone County, Iowa, Dallas County, Iowa, Jasper County, Iowa, Madison County, Iowa, Marion County, Iowa, and Story County, Iowa. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Polk 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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