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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About St. Francois County
Elevation across St. Francois County averages about 1,066 feet. The county falls within the St. Francois Knobs and Basins (MLRA 116C) land resource region.
The growing season in St. Francois County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 45.7 inches per year. January lows average around 22°F while July highs reach about 88°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 626 farms in St. Francois County, operating across 94,940 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 152 acres. Top commodities include cattle, soybeans, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Missouri |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Corn, Horses, Fruit & tree nuts, Poultry |
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 St. Francois County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
812 Progress Dr, Farmington, MO 63640
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 St. Francois County Operations
Based on St. Francois County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Soil remediation and management address unique challenges from historical mining activities. Grazing systems help optimize forage production on the varied terrain and soil types.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering St. Francois County: Iron County, Missouri, Jefferson County, Missouri, Madison County, Missouri, Perry County, Missouri, Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri, and Washington County, Missouri. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in St. Francois 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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