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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Bates County
Bates County is part of the Cherokee Prairies land resource region (MLRA 112). The county's mean elevation is about 849 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Bates County sees 43.2 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 56.1°F mean annual temperature.
Bates County carries 40,577 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 121,997 acres. 1,014 farms operate in the county, averaging 421 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | West Central Missouri |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Cattle & calves, Hogs, Vegetables, Floriculture |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 Bates County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
625 W Nursery St, Butler, MO 64730
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 Bates County Operations
Based on Bates County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation efforts focus on soil health improvement and grass waterway establishment. Cost-share programs support cover crop adoption and livestock 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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Bates County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Linn County, Kansas, Miami County, Kansas, Cass County, Missouri, Henry County, Missouri, St. Clair County, Missouri, and Vernon County, Missouri. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Bates County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Missouri guide: Missouri Farm Programs Guide
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