DeKalb County, Missouri: USDA programs and conservation funding

669
Farms & Ranches
191K
Acres in Agriculture
286
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$14.8M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Soybeans, Cattle, Field Crops, Other
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

DeKalb County, Missouri has 669 farms working 191,284 agricultural acres (average 286 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $14.8 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Soybeans. Vegetation typically peaks in Jun, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About DeKalb County

DeKalb County sits within the Iowa and Missouri Heavy Till Plain (MLRA 109) region. Elevation averages about 994 feet.

Temperatures in DeKalb County range from a January mean low of 17°F to a July mean high near 87°F. Annual precipitation averages 39.0 inches. Expect about 275 frost-free days.

DeKalb County ran 669 farms, 191,284 acres of farmland, and 15,968 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, soybeans, and cattle.


Quick Facts

RegionNorthwest Missouri
Top CommoditiesCorn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Swine, Wheat

Current Conditions

Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.

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 DeKalb County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

1101 S Polk St, Maysville, MO 64469

(816) 449-2112

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 DeKalb County Operations

Based on DeKalb County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Soil conservation practices focus on preventing erosion on fields with long slopes despite the generally flat terrain. Wetland restorations in scattered low areas provide wildlife habitat while managing excess water.

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 Andrew County, Missouri, Buchanan County, Missouri, Caldwell County, Missouri, Clinton County, Missouri, Daviess County, Missouri, and Gentry County, Missouri. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in DeKalb County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Missouri guide: Missouri Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

CRPEQIP Water DevelopmentCSP

Vegetation Baseline

0.60
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.80
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for DeKalb County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.