← Missouri Farm Programs Guide
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
| Region | South Central Missouri |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Dairy, Poultry, Corn, Soybeans, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Laclede County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1242 Deadra Dr, Lebanon, MO 65536
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 Laclede County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Laclede County greening up around April and peaking in May. The county carries about 120,683 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Laclede County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Laclede County at an average farm size of 257 acres, 17% small operations, 21% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 1,248 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Laclede County
Given the operation mix in Laclede County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage for dairies; and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
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
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Missouri guide: Missouri Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.