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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Maries County
Elevation across Maries County averages about 868 feet. The county falls within the Ozark Highland (MLRA 116A) land resource region.
The growing season in Maries County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 43.5 inches per year. January lows average around 23°F while July highs reach about 89°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 736 farms in Maries County, operating across 216,335 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 294 acres. Top commodities include cattle, hogs, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Missouri |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Hogs, Corn, Soybeans, Dairy, Sheep |
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 Maries County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1315 E Main St, Linn, MO 65051
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 Maries County
The forage year in Maries County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in May (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 91,630 acres of pastureland and 22,518 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Maries County
About 22% of Maries County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 11% of farms are small and 8% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 294 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Maries County
With cattle and corn in the mix in Maries County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and waste management and nutrient planning (confined livestock operations). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Maries County Operations
Based on Maries County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Pasture improvement and forest management practices help landowners balance livestock and timber production. Conservation programs emphasize protecting the Gasconade River watershed and maintaining wildlife habitat.
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 Maries County: Gasconade County, Missouri, Miller County, Missouri, Osage County, Missouri, Phelps County, Missouri, and Pulaski County, Missouri. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Maries 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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