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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: None (None).
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 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.
Forage and Grazing in Scott County
Scott County reported 1,496 head of cattle across roughly 9,333 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows June 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 Scott County.
Farm Structure in Scott County
Irrigation covers about 51% of farmland in Scott County, roughly 108,823 acres. Farms average 549 acres, with about 22% classed as small operations. Around 25% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Scott County
With corn and soybeans in the mix in Scott County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
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
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