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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Iron County
Iron County is part of the St. Francois Knobs and Basins land resource region (MLRA 116C). The county's mean elevation is about 1,567 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Iron County sees 47.5 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 54.9°F mean annual temperature.
Iron County carries 7,875 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 29,058 acres. 273 farms operate in the county, averaging 311 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Missouri |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Poultry, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Iron County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
404 E Main St, Marble Hill, MO 63764
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
812 Progress Dr, Farmington, MO 63640
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 Iron County Operations
Based on Iron County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Forest stewardship practices help landowners manage timber resources while providing wildlife habitat and water protection. Limited pasture improvement focuses on maximizing productivity on small cleared areas.
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 Iron County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Crawford County, Missouri, Dent County, Missouri, Madison County, Missouri, Reynolds County, Missouri, St. Francois County, Missouri, and Washington County, Missouri. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Iron 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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