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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Pulaski County
Elevation across Pulaski County averages about 779 feet. The county falls within the Ozark Highland (MLRA 116A) land resource region.
The growing season in Pulaski County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 43.9 inches per year. January lows average around 23°F while July highs reach about 89°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 423 farms in Pulaski County, operating across 117,115 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 277 acres. Top commodities include hogs, cattle, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Missouri |
| Top Commodities | Hogs, Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Fruit & tree nuts, Vegetables |
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 Pulaski County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
1050 E State Route 72 Ste 1, Rolla, MO 65401
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
1242 Deadra Dr, Lebanon, MO 65536
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 Pulaski County
The forage year in Pulaski County runs from green-up in March to peak growth in August (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 39,965 acres of pastureland and 12,724 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Pulaski County
About 23% of Pulaski County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 13% of farms are small and 8% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 277 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Pulaski County
Pulaski County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were hogs, cattle, and grain. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for confined livestock operations, waste management and nutrient planning. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Pulaski County Operations
Based on Pulaski County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Wildlife habitat management coordinates with military land use to maintain ecosystem connectivity. Forest management practices help landowners balance timber production with conservation goals.
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 Pulaski County: Camden County, Missouri, Laclede County, Missouri, Maries County, Missouri, Miller County, Missouri, Phelps County, Missouri, and Texas County, Missouri. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Pulaski 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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