Laclede County, Missouri: USDA programs and conservation funding

1,194
Farms & Ranches
307K
Acres in Agriculture
257
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$36.8M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Milk, Field Crops, Other, Grain, Corn
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Laclede County, Missouri has 1,194 farms working 307,082 agricultural acres (average 257 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $36.8 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Milk, Field Crops, Other. Vegetation typically peaks in May, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Laclede County

Laclede County is part of the Ozark Highland land resource region (MLRA 116A). The county's mean elevation is about 1,247 feet.

Based on 1991–2020 normals, Laclede County sees 44.6 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 55.8°F mean annual temperature.

Laclede County carries 49,210 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 120,683 acres. 1,194 farms operate in the county, averaging 257 acres each.


Quick Facts

RegionSouth Central Missouri
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Dairy, Poultry, Corn, Soybeans, Vegetables

Current Conditions

Drought status: None (None).

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 Laclede County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

1242 Deadra Dr, Lebanon, MO 65536

(417) 532-5741

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 Laclede County Operations

Based on Laclede County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Forest management and grassland improvement programs help optimize grazing systems on marginal lands. Conservation efforts focus on stream bank protection and wildlife habitat enhancement in timber 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 Laclede County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Camden County, Missouri, Dallas County, Missouri, Pulaski County, Missouri, Texas County, Missouri, Webster County, Missouri, and Wright County, Missouri. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Laclede County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Missouri guide: Missouri Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP FencingCRPEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSP

Vegetation Baseline

0.71
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.82
Peak season (May)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Laclede County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.