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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Marion County
Marion County is part of the Central Mississippi Valley Wooded Slopes land resource region (MLRA 115). The county's mean elevation is about 647 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Marion County sees 39.7 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 53.3°F mean annual temperature.
Marion County carries 5,822 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 21,661 acres. 553 farms operate in the county, averaging 350 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Missouri |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Marion County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
6465 Highway 168 Ste A, Palmyra, MO 63461
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 Marion County Operations
Based on Marion County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Water quality protection programs focus on the Mississippi River corridor and Mark Twain Lake watershed. Wetland restoration and riparian buffer initiatives support both conservation and recreational objectives.
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 Marion County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Adams County, Illinois, Pike County, Illinois, Lewis County, Missouri, Monroe County, Missouri, Ralls County, Missouri, and Shelby County, Missouri. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Marion 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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