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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Howell County
Elevation across Howell County averages about 1,146 feet. The county falls within the Ozark Highland (MLRA 116A) land resource region.
The growing season in Howell County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 47.6 inches per year. January lows average around 24°F while July highs reach about 89°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,392 farms in Howell County, operating across 363,963 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 261 acres. Top commodities include cattle, corn, and milk.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Missouri |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Poultry, Corn, Dairy, Soybeans, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 31+ 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 Howell County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
3210 Hoover Dr, West Plains, MO 65775
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 Howell County Operations
Based on Howell County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Pasture renovation projects improve carrying capacity on cleared land while maintaining compatibility with Ozark ecosystems. Rotational grazing systems help prevent overgrazing in areas with thin soils over rock.
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 Howell County: Fulton County, Arkansas, Douglas County, Missouri, Oregon County, Missouri, Ozark County, Missouri, Shannon County, Missouri, and Texas County, Missouri. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Howell 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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