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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Franklin County
Franklin County is part of the Ozark Highland land resource region (MLRA 116A). The county's mean elevation is about 679 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Franklin County sees 43.1 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 55.3°F mean annual temperature.
Franklin County carries 22,632 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 57,309 acres. 1,657 farms operate in the county, averaging 160 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Central Missouri |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Cattle & calves, Hogs, Dairy, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 Franklin County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1004 Vondera Ave Ste 1, Union, MO 63084
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 Franklin County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Franklin County greening up around April and peaking in July. The county carries about 57,309 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Franklin County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Franklin County at an average farm size of 160 acres, 28% small operations, 25% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 1,715 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Franklin County
Franklin County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, soybeans, and corn. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for confined livestock operations, waste management and nutrient planning. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Franklin County Operations
Based on Franklin County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Riparian buffer strips along rivers help protect water quality while providing wildlife corridors. Specialty crop development includes expanding vineyard acreage for the growing wine industry.
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 Franklin County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Crawford County, Missouri, Gasconade County, Missouri, Jefferson County, Missouri, St. Charles County, Missouri, St. Louis County, Missouri, and Warren County, Missouri. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Franklin 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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