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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: 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 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.
Forage and Grazing in Phelps County
The forage year in Phelps County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 80,677 acres of pastureland and 19,481 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Phelps County
About 26% of Phelps County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 19% of farms are small and 7% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 233 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Phelps County
With cattle and equine in the mix in Phelps County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage (dairies); and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground). 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 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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