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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Jefferson County
Elevation across Jefferson County averages about 724 feet. The county falls within the Ozark Highland (MLRA 116A) land resource region.
The growing season in Jefferson County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 43.8 inches per year. January lows average around 23°F while July highs reach about 89°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 656 farms in Jefferson County, operating across 106,429 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 162 acres. Top commodities include cattle, soybeans, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Central Missouri |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Corn, Dairy, Wheat, 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 Jefferson County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
10820 Business 21 Ste 200, Hillsboro, MO 63050
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
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 Jefferson County
The forage year in Jefferson County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 25,366 acres of pastureland and 3,988 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Jefferson County
About 27% of Jefferson County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 28% of farms are small and 3% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 162 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Jefferson County
Jefferson County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, cattle, and soybeans. 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 rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Jefferson County Operations
Based on Jefferson County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Urban-edge farming programs help preserve agricultural land near expanding suburban development. Conservation practices focus on protecting water quality in streams flowing into the Mississippi River system.
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 Jefferson County: Monroe County, Illinois, Franklin County, Missouri, Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri, St. Francois County, Missouri, St. Louis County, Missouri, and Washington County, Missouri. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Jefferson 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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