Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Wapello County
Elevation across Wapello County averages about 823 feet. The county falls within the Iowa and Missouri Heavy Till Plain (MLRA 109) land resource region.
The growing season in Wapello County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 37.2 inches per year. January lows average around 14°F while July highs reach about 85°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 682 farms in Wapello County, operating across 195,594 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 287 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and hogs.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Horses, Sheep |
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 Wapello County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2938 Oak Meadow Dr, Ottumwa, IA 52501
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 Wapello County
The forage year in Wapello County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 21,089 acres of pastureland and 8,185 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Wapello County
About 25% of Wapello County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 20% of farms are small and 8% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 287 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Wapello County
Given the operation mix in Wapello County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and waste management and nutrient planning for confined livestock operations. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Wapello County Operations
Based on Wapello County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs address unique challenges of farming on varied terrain including reclaimed mining areas and river bottomlands. Water quality protection and soil health improvement are priorities given the Des Moines River location and diverse land use history.
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 Wapello County: Appanoose County, Iowa, Davis County, Iowa, Jefferson County, Iowa, Keokuk County, Iowa, Mahaska County, Iowa, and Monroe County, Iowa. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Wapello 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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