Polk County, Iowa
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
Gently rolling terrain surrounding Des Moines with prime agricultural land mixed with suburban development. The Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers converge here, creating fertile bottomlands alongside urban growth.
Agriculture operates alongside rapid urbanization, with remaining farms focused on high-value crops and specialty operations. Many operations have transitioned to agritourism or direct marketing to serve the Des Moines metropolitan area.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Vegetables, Berries, Horses, Sheep |
| Farms & Ranches | ~380 (approx.) |
| Agricultural Land | ~180,000 acres |
| Average Farm Size | ~233 acres |
Find Your Local USDA Offices
Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS and FSA under one roof.
Find your Service Center:
Search for "Polk County" to find your local NRCS and FSA offices.
What to do when you call: Ask for a conservation planner (EQIP/CSP) or loan officer (FSA). Mention your operation type and planned improvements.
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 — 2 minutes, personalized action packet.
Local Conservation Priorities
EQIP applications addressing local priorities score higher in ranking.
We don't have Polk County's specific LWG priorities yet.
Ask your local NRCS office: "What are the priority resource concerns in Polk County?"
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
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Free for everyone.