Ralls County, Missouri: USDA programs and conservation funding

587
Farms & Ranches
192K
Acres in Agriculture
327
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$4.8M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Soybeans, Corn, Hogs, Cattle
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Ralls County, Missouri has 587 farms working 191,799 agricultural acres (average 327 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $4.8 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Soybeans, Corn. Vegetation typically peaks in Aug, defining the primary growing season.

← Missouri Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Ralls County

Ralls County lies in the Central Mississippi Valley Wooded Slopes (MLRA 115) region. Elevation averages about 709 feet.

Ralls County averages 39.7 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 53.6°F.

Ralls County's agricultural base centers on soybeans, corn, and hogs. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 587 farms working 191,799 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 3,561 head.


Quick Facts

RegionNortheast Missouri
Top CommoditiesSoybeans, Corn, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Floriculture

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 Ralls County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

17623 Highway 19, New London, MO 63459

(573) 985-8611

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 Ralls County Operations

Based on Ralls County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Terracing and waterway management help control erosion on the rolling terrain. Stream corridor protection maintains water quality while supporting agricultural productivity.

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

Counties Bordering Ralls County

Ralls County shares borders with Pike County, Illinois, Audrain County, Missouri, Marion County, Missouri, Monroe County, Missouri, and Pike County, Missouri. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.

Your Next Steps in Ralls County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Missouri guide: Missouri Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP FencingCRPEQIP Water DevelopmentCSP

Vegetation Baseline

0.40
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.89
Peak season (Aug)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Ralls County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.