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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Nodaway County
Elevation across Nodaway County averages about 1,147 feet. The county falls within the Illinois and Iowa Deep Loess and Drift (MLRA 108) land resource region.
The growing season in Nodaway County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 36.8 inches per year. January lows average around 16°F while July highs reach about 86°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,034 farms in Nodaway County, operating across 380,179 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 368 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwest Missouri |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Sheep, Wheat, Horses |
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 Nodaway County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
502 W South Hills Dr Ste 104, Maryville, MO 64468
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 Nodaway County
The forage year in Nodaway County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in August (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 56,495 acres of pastureland and 17,005 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Nodaway County
About 24% of Nodaway County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 13% of farms are small and 12% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 368 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Nodaway County
Given the operation mix in Nodaway County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and brush management for rangeland. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Nodaway County Operations
Based on Nodaway County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Precision agriculture and conservation tillage practices maintain soil health on highly productive ground. Water quality programs focus on nutrient management and buffer strips along the Nodaway River system.
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 Nodaway County: Page County, Iowa, Taylor County, Iowa, Andrew County, Missouri, Atchison County, Missouri, Gentry County, Missouri, and Holt County, Missouri. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Nodaway 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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