Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Poweshiek County
Elevation across Poweshiek County averages about 941 feet. The county falls within the Illinois and Iowa Deep Loess and Drift (MLRA 108) land resource region.
The growing season in Poweshiek County spans roughly 244 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 37.4 inches per year. January lows average around 12°F while July highs reach about 84°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 792 farms in Poweshiek County, operating across 288,668 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 364 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and hogs.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Central Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Sheep, 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 Poweshiek County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1211 Old 6 Rd, Malcom, IA 50157
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 Poweshiek County Operations
Based on Poweshiek County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation focus on precision agriculture and nutrient management to optimize high-yield production systems. Cover crop adoption and wetland preservation programs help manage water quality while maintaining productive capacity.
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 Poweshiek County: Benton County, Iowa, Iowa County, Iowa, Jasper County, Iowa, Keokuk County, Iowa, Mahaska County, Iowa, and Marshall County, Iowa. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Poweshiek 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. Every guide on this site is free.