Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Shelby County
Shelby County sits within the Iowa and Missouri Deep Loess Hills (MLRA 107) region. Elevation averages about 1,205 feet.
Temperatures in Shelby County range from a January mean low of 11°F to a July mean high near 84°F. Annual precipitation averages 34.8 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.
Shelby County ran 865 farms, 339,793 acres of farmland, and 23,614 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, hogs, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Hogs, Soybeans, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Poultry |
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 Shelby County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2519 Southwest Ave, Harlan, IA 51537
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 Shelby County Operations
Based on Shelby County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation efforts emphasize erosion control on rolling terrain and stream protection through buffer strips and rotational grazing. Grassland management programs help maintain soil health while supporting the county's significant livestock operations.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Audubon County, Iowa, Carroll County, Iowa, Cass County, Iowa, Crawford County, Iowa, Harrison County, Iowa, and Pottawattamie County, Iowa. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Shelby 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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