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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Stone County
Stone County lies in the Ozark Highland (MLRA 116A) region. Elevation averages about 1,116 feet.
Stone County averages 45.8 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 303 days. Annual mean temperature is 57.0°F.
Stone County's agricultural base centers on cattle, milk, and goats. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 586 farms working 87,784 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 13,580 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Missouri |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Dairy, Goats, Berries |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Stone County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1786 S 16th Ave Ste 101, Ozark, MO 65721
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 Stone County Operations
Based on Stone County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation practices emphasize protecting water quality in Table Rock Lake through rotational grazing systems and streambank stabilization. Many operations diversify income through agritourism activities that complement the area's tourism economy.
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 Stone County
Stone County shares borders with Carroll County, Arkansas, Barry County, Missouri, Christian County, Missouri, Lawrence County, Missouri, and Taney 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 Stone 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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