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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: Severe Drought (D2).
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 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.
Forage and Grazing in Howell County
The forage year in Howell County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in August (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 193,886 acres of pastureland and 53,847 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Howell County
About 22% of Howell County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 24% of farms are small and 7% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 261 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Howell County
With cattle and milk in the mix in Howell County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage (dairies); and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
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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