Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Pottawattamie County
Pottawattamie County is part of the Iowa and Missouri Deep Loess Hills land resource region (MLRA 107). The county's mean elevation is about 1,211 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Pottawattamie County sees 34.5 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 50.2°F mean annual temperature.
Pottawattamie County carries 25,456 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 24,289 acres. 1,203 farms operate in the county, averaging 468 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Hogs, Poultry, Fruit & tree nuts |
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 Pottawattamie County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
305 Mckenzie Ave, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
This county also has 1 additional NRCS and 1 additional FSA offices. View all offices
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 Pottawattamie County Operations
Based on Pottawattamie County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs heavily target erosion control and grassland restoration in the fragile loess hills ecosystem. Grazing management and native prairie restoration are priorities to preserve this unique landscape while maintaining 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 Pottawattamie County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Cass County, Iowa, Harrison County, Iowa, Mills County, Iowa, Montgomery County, Iowa, Shelby County, Iowa, and Douglas County, Nebraska. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Pottawattamie 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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