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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Madison County
Madison County is part of the St. Francois Knobs and Basins land resource region (MLRA 116C). The county's mean elevation is about 1,004 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Madison County sees 47.7 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 55.5°F mean annual temperature.
Madison County carries 12,746 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 32,473 acres. 331 farms operate in the county, averaging 291 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Missouri |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Corn, Horses, Sheep, Goats |
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 Madison 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.
Forage and Grazing in Madison County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Madison County greening up around May and peaking in May. The county carries about 32,473 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 Madison County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Madison County at an average farm size of 291 acres, 15% small operations, and 26% of producers aged 65 or older. 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 Madison County
Madison County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, grain, 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 Madison County Operations
Based on Madison County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Forest management and grazing improvement programs help landowners optimize timber and livestock production. Stream corridor protection and erosion control practices maintain water quality in steep terrain.
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 Madison County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Bollinger County, Missouri, Iron County, Missouri, Perry County, Missouri, St. Francois County, Missouri, and Wayne County, Missouri. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Madison 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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