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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Boone County
Elevation across Boone County averages about 712 feet. The county falls within the Central Mississippi Valley Wooded Slopes (MLRA 115) land resource region.
The growing season in Boone County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 42.1 inches per year. January lows average around 21°F while July highs reach about 88°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,120 farms in Boone County, operating across 196,763 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 176 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, corn, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Missouri |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Wheat, Floriculture, Fruit & tree nuts, Vegetables |
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 Boone County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
601 Business Loop 70 W Ste 213e, Columbia, MO 65203
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 Boone County Operations
Based on Boone County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs support sustainable farming practices and beginning farmer development near Columbia. Conservation efforts emphasize soil health and water quality protection in the Missouri River watershed.
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 Boone County: Audrain County, Missouri, Callaway County, Missouri, Cole County, Missouri, Cooper County, Missouri, Howard County, Missouri, and Moniteau County, Missouri. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Boone 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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