Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Woodbury County
Elevation across Woodbury County averages about 1,200 feet. The county falls within the Iowa and Missouri Deep Loess Hills (MLRA 107) land resource region.
The growing season in Woodbury County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 30.3 inches per year. January lows average around 10°F while July highs reach about 85°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,005 farms in Woodbury County, operating across 468,824 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 466 acres. Top commodities include corn, cattle, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwest Iowa |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 4+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Woodbury County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
204 1st St, Pioneer Mall, Sergeant Bluff, IA 51054
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 Woodbury County
The forage year in Woodbury County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 21,793 acres of pastureland and 36,596 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Woodbury County
About 22% of Woodbury County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 18% of farms are small and 17% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 466 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Woodbury County
Woodbury County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, corn, and cattle. 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 rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Woodbury County Operations
Based on Woodbury County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs focus on Missouri River water quality protection and loess hills conservation through riparian buffers and grassland management. Urban proximity creates opportunities for direct marketing while conservation efforts address both intensive agriculture and the unique loess ecosystem.
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 Woodbury County: Cherokee County, Iowa, Crawford County, Iowa, Ida County, Iowa, Monona County, Iowa, Plymouth County, Iowa, and Dakota County, Nebraska. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Woodbury 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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