← Missouri Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Scott County
Scott County lies in the Southern Mississippi River Alluvium (MLRA 131A) region. Elevation averages about 325 feet.
Scott County averages 48.9 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 334 days. Annual mean temperature is 58.1°F.
Scott County's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and cotton. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 389 farms working 213,397 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 1,496 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Missouri Bootheel |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Poultry, Cotton, Wheat, Rice |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Scott County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
6458 State Highway 77, Benton, MO 63736
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 Scott County Operations
Based on Scott County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Drainage management and water control structures support intensive agriculture in this former wetland region. Wetland restoration projects through CREP provide waterfowl habitat while maintaining 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 Scott County
Scott County shares borders with Alexander County, Illinois, Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, Mississippi County, Missouri, New Madrid County, Missouri, and Stoddard 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 Scott 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.