Atchison County, Missouri: USDA programs and conservation funding

430
Farms & Ranches
274K
Acres in Agriculture
636
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$3.4M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Soybeans, Cattle, Grain
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Atchison County, Missouri has 430 farms working 273,607 agricultural acres (average 636 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $3.4 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Soybeans. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Atchison County

Atchison County sits within the Iowa and Missouri Deep Loess Hills (MLRA 107) region. Elevation averages about 1,043 feet.

Temperatures in Atchison County range from a January mean low of 16°F to a July mean high near 87°F. Annual precipitation averages 34.4 inches. Expect about 275 frost-free days.

Atchison County ran 430 farms, 273,607 acres of farmland, and 1,924 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, soybeans, and cattle.


Quick Facts

RegionNorthwest Missouri
Top CommoditiesCorn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Horses, Goats

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 Atchison County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

302 E Us Highway 136, Rock Port, MO 64482

(660) 744-5328

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 Atchison County Operations

Based on Atchison County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Conservation efforts target soil erosion control on sloping ground and wetland restoration in bottomland areas. Livestock producers receive support for pasture improvement and water system development.

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 Fremont County, Iowa, Page County, Iowa, Holt County, Missouri, Nodaway County, Missouri, Nemaha County, Nebraska, and Otoe County, Nebraska. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Atchison County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Missouri guide: Missouri Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

CRPEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.24
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.93
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Atchison County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.