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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Phelps County
Elevation across Phelps County averages about 983 feet. The county falls within the Ozark Highland (MLRA 116A) land resource region.
The growing season in Phelps County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 44.2 inches per year. January lows average around 23°F while July highs reach about 89°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 748 farms in Phelps County, operating across 174,422 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 233 acres. Top commodities include cattle, milk, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Missouri |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Dairy, Berries, Horses, Sheep |
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 Phelps County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1050 E State Route 72 Ste 1, Rolla, MO 65401
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 Phelps County Operations
Based on Phelps County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Forest management and wildlife habitat enhancement are major conservation priorities in this heavily wooded region. Grazing management practices help maintain productive pastures while protecting stream quality.
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 Phelps County: Crawford County, Missouri, Dent County, Missouri, Gasconade County, Missouri, Maries County, Missouri, Pulaski County, Missouri, and Texas County, Missouri. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Phelps 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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