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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Scotland County
Scotland County lies in the Iowa and Missouri Heavy Till Plain (MLRA 109) region. Elevation averages about 771 feet.
Scotland 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 51.7°F.
Scotland County's agricultural base centers on hogs, corn, and soybeans. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 654 farms working 212,718 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 20,086 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Missouri |
| Top Commodities | Hogs, Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Dairy, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Scotland County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
19825 Us Highway 136, Memphis, MO 63555
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 Scotland County
Scotland County reported 20,086 head of cattle across roughly 23,401 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a July growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Scotland County.
Farm Structure in Scotland County
Scotland County reports about 320 acres under irrigation. Farms average 325 acres, with about 15% classed as small operations. Around 17% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Scotland County
Scotland County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were hogs, grain, and corn. 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 Scotland County Operations
Based on Scotland County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Nutrient management plans coordinate crop fertilization with livestock waste applications. Soil conservation practices help maintain long-term productivity on intensively managed farmland.
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 Scotland County
Scotland County shares borders with Davis County, Iowa, Van Buren County, Iowa, Adair County, Missouri, Clark County, Missouri, Knox County, Missouri, and Schuyler 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 Scotland 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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