← Missouri Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Monroe County
Monroe County lies in the Central Claypan Areas (MLRA 113) region. Elevation averages about 736 feet.
Monroe County averages 40.9 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 53.5°F.
Monroe County's agricultural base centers on soybeans, corn, and hogs. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 846 farms working 285,759 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 10,038 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Missouri |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Sheep |
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 Monroe County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
18771 Highway 15, Paris, MO 65275
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 Monroe County
Monroe County reported 10,038 head of cattle across roughly 30,589 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows June green-up and a July growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Monroe County.
Farm Structure in Monroe County
Irrigation covers about 1% of farmland in Monroe County, roughly 2,618 acres. Farms average 338 acres, with about 13% classed as small operations. Around 24% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Monroe County
With cattle and corn in the mix in Monroe 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 Monroe County Operations
Based on Monroe County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Precision agriculture and nutrient management programs optimize production while protecting water quality in the Salt River watershed. Conservation practices emphasize maintaining soil health on intensively cropped ground.
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
Counties Bordering Monroe County
Monroe County shares borders with Audrain County, Missouri, Macon County, Missouri, Marion County, Missouri, Ralls County, Missouri, Randolph County, Missouri, and Shelby County, Missouri. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Monroe 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.