Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Union County
Elevation across Union County averages about 1,219 feet. The county falls within the Illinois and Iowa Deep Loess and Drift (MLRA 108) land resource region.
The growing season in Union County spans roughly 244 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 36.6 inches per year. January lows average around 13°F while July highs reach about 85°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 587 farms in Union County, operating across 214,527 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 365 acres. Top commodities include hogs, corn, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Hogs, Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Poultry, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
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 Union County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
904 E Taylor St, Creston, IA 50801
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
2243 Loomis Ave, Corning, IA 50841
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.
Forage and Grazing in Union County
The forage year in Union County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 37,589 acres of pastureland and 11,949 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Union County
About 26% of Union County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 18% of farms are small and 10% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 365 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Union County
Union County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, hogs, and corn. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for confined livestock operations, waste management and nutrient planning. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Union County Operations
Based on Union County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize grassland conservation and water quality protection due to significant livestock operations and sensitive watershed areas. Rotational grazing systems and stream buffer establishment are priorities for maintaining both agricultural productivity and environmental quality.
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 Union County: Adair County, Iowa, Adams County, Iowa, Clarke County, Iowa, Decatur County, Iowa, Madison County, Iowa, and Ringgold County, Iowa. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Union 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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