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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Macon County
Elevation across Macon County averages about 780 feet. The county falls within the Iowa and Missouri Heavy Till Plain (MLRA 109) land resource region.
The growing season in Macon County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 41.2 inches per year. January lows average around 18°F while July highs reach about 87°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,258 farms in Macon County, operating across 432,256 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 344 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, corn, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central Missouri |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Cattle & calves, Hogs, Vegetables, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Macon County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2108 Us Highway 63 Ste C, Macon, MO 63552
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 Macon County
The forage year in Macon County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 116,932 acres of pastureland and 1,663 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Macon County
About 25% of Macon County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 13% of farms are small and 9% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 344 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Macon County
Given the operation mix in Macon County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and waste management and nutrient planning for confined livestock operations. 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 Macon County Operations
Based on Macon County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Precision agriculture and nutrient management programs maximize yields while protecting water resources. Conservation practices focus on maintaining soil health and preventing erosion on gently sloping cropland.
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 Macon County: Adair County, Missouri, Chariton County, Missouri, Knox County, Missouri, Linn County, Missouri, Monroe County, Missouri, and Randolph County, Missouri. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Macon 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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