Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Taylor County
Taylor County is part of the Illinois and Iowa Deep Loess and Drift land resource region (MLRA 108). The county's mean elevation is about 1,248 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Taylor County sees 37.4 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 50.4°F mean annual temperature.
Taylor County carries 15,188 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 28,043 acres. 596 farms operate in the county, averaging 498 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Horses, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Taylor County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1508 Oak St, Bedford, IA 50833
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 Taylor County Operations
Based on Taylor County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs prioritize grassland management and stream protection through rotational grazing and riparian buffers. Soil erosion control on rolling terrain and wildlife habitat enhancement are key focuses for maintaining long-term agricultural sustainability.
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 Taylor County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Adams County, Iowa, Montgomery County, Iowa, Page County, Iowa, Ringgold County, Iowa, Union County, Iowa, and Nodaway County, Missouri. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Taylor 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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