← Missouri Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Polk County
Polk County is part of the Ozark Highland land resource region (MLRA 116A). The county's mean elevation is about 1,036 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Polk County sees 44.4 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 56.2°F mean annual temperature.
Polk County carries 69,184 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 151,007 acres. 1,380 farms operate in the county, averaging 247 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Missouri |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Poultry, Dairy, Corn, Soybeans, Hogs |
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 Polk County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1333 E Broadway St, Bolivar, MO 65613
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 Polk County Operations
Based on Polk County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Stream protection and riparian management are priorities along the numerous waterways. Grazing management systems help optimize forage production on the native grass pastures.
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 Polk County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Cedar County, Missouri, Dade County, Missouri, Dallas County, Missouri, Greene County, Missouri, Hickory County, Missouri, and St. Clair County, Missouri. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Polk 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.