Morgan County, Missouri: USDA programs and conservation funding

871
Farms & Ranches
213K
Acres in Agriculture
245
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$27.6M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Hogs, Cattle, Grain, Soybeans, Corn
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Morgan County, Missouri has 871 farms working 213,322 agricultural acres (average 245 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $27.6 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Hogs, Cattle, Grain. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Morgan County

Morgan County is part of the Ozark Highland land resource region (MLRA 116A). The county's mean elevation is about 1,053 feet.

Based on 1991–2020 normals, Morgan County sees 42.9 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 55.4°F mean annual temperature.

Morgan County carries 24,701 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 73,940 acres. 871 farms operate in the county, averaging 245 acres each.


Quick Facts

RegionCentral Missouri
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Corn, Dairy

Current Conditions

Drought status: None (None).

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 Morgan County.

NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)

100 S Burke St, Versailles, MO 65084

(573) 378-4589

FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)

410 W Buchanan St, California, MO 65018

(573) 796-4691

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 Morgan County Operations

Based on Morgan County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Shoreline and pasture management practices help maintain water quality around Lake of the Ozarks. Conservation programs balance agricultural use with recreational development and environmental protection.

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 Morgan County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Benton County, Missouri, Camden County, Missouri, Cooper County, Missouri, Miller County, Missouri, Moniteau County, Missouri, and Pettis County, Missouri. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Morgan County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Missouri guide: Missouri Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.64
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.80
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Morgan County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.