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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Putnam County
Putnam County sits within the Iowa and Missouri Heavy Till Plain (MLRA 109) region. Elevation averages about 1,051 feet.
Temperatures in Putnam County range from a January mean low of 15°F to a July mean high near 86°F. Annual precipitation averages 39.2 inches. Expect about 275 frost-free days.
Putnam County ran 574 farms, 295,526 acres of farmland, and 17,180 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: hogs, cattle, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central Missouri |
| Top Commodities | Hogs, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Corn, Wheat, Grain sorghum |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Putnam County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
28988 Us Highway 136, Unionville, MO 63565
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 Putnam County Operations
Based on Putnam County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Soil health practices and cover crop adoption help maintain the productivity of intensively farmed ground. Nutrient management addresses both commercial fertilizer and livestock waste applications.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Appanoose County, Iowa, Wayne County, Iowa, Adair County, Missouri, Mercer County, Missouri, Schuyler County, Missouri, and Sullivan County, Missouri. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Putnam 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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