Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Story County
Story County sits within the Central Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies (MLRA 103) region. Elevation averages about 983 feet.
Temperatures in Story County range from a January mean low of 11°F to a July mean high near 84°F. Annual precipitation averages 36.3 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.
Story County ran 1,067 farms, 299,244 acres of farmland, and 12,188 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, soybeans, and hogs.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Horses |
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 Story County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1524 Fawcett Parkway, Nevada, IA 50201
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 Story County Operations
Based on Story County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize precision agriculture adoption and sustainable farming research in partnership with Iowa State University extension services. Conservation practices focus on advanced nutrient management and technology integration to optimize both productivity and environmental stewardship.
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 Boone County, Iowa, Hamilton County, Iowa, Hardin County, Iowa, Jasper County, Iowa, Marshall County, Iowa, and Polk County, Iowa. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Story 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.