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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Butler County
Butler County sits within the Southern Mississippi River Alluvium (MLRA 131A) region. Elevation averages about 322 feet.
Temperatures in Butler County range from a January mean low of 27°F to a July mean high near 90°F. Annual precipitation averages 49.8 inches. Expect about 334 frost-free days.
Butler County ran 451 farms, 250,359 acres of farmland, and 3,501 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: soybeans, rice, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Missouri |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Rice, Corn, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 14+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Butler County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
4327 Highway 67 N, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
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 Butler County Operations
Based on Butler County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs support water management for rice production and wetland conservation. Technical assistance emphasizes soil conservation and precision leveling for flood irrigation systems.
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 Clay County, Arkansas, Carter County, Missouri, Dunklin County, Missouri, Ripley County, Missouri, Stoddard County, Missouri, and Wayne County, Missouri. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Butler 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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