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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Benton County
Elevation across Benton County averages about 772 feet. The county falls within the Ozark Highland (MLRA 116A) land resource region.
The growing season in Benton County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 43.0 inches per year. January lows average around 22°F while July highs reach about 89°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 720 farms in Benton County, operating across 198,779 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 276 acres. Top commodities include cattle, corn, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | West Central Missouri |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Dairy, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Benton County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
535 North Hwy 65, Lincoln, MO 65338
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 Benton County
The forage year in Benton County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in August (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 72,674 acres of pastureland and 23,970 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Benton County
About 22% of Benton County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 14% 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 276 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Benton County
With cattle and corn in the mix in Benton County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and brush management (rangeland). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Benton County Operations
Based on Benton County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize erosion control and water quality protection around Truman Lake. Technical assistance supports pasture improvement and rotational grazing near the reservoir.
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 Benton County: Camden County, Missouri, Henry County, Missouri, Hickory County, Missouri, Morgan County, Missouri, Pettis County, Missouri, and St. Clair County, Missouri. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Benton 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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