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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Cooper County
Cooper County is part of the Central Mississippi Valley Wooded Slopes land resource region (MLRA 115). The county's mean elevation is about 727 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Cooper County sees 41.1 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 55.0°F mean annual temperature.
Cooper County carries 19,512 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 41,452 acres. 753 farms operate in the county, averaging 348 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Missouri |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Cattle & calves, Poultry, Wheat, Fruit & tree nuts |
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 Cooper County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
17066 Highway 87, Boonville, MO 65233
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 Cooper County Operations
Based on Cooper County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Wetland restoration projects are active along the Missouri River floodplain to improve wildlife habitat. Soil health initiatives promote cover cropping and reduced tillage on the productive cropland.
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 Cooper County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Boone County, Missouri, Howard County, Missouri, Moniteau County, Missouri, Morgan County, Missouri, Pettis County, Missouri, and Saline County, Missouri. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Cooper 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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