← Missouri Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Sullivan County
Sullivan County is part of the Iowa and Missouri Heavy Till Plain land resource region (MLRA 109). The county's mean elevation is about 831 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Sullivan County sees 39.3 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 52.0°F mean annual temperature.
Sullivan County carries 17,691 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 99,860 acres. 642 farms operate in the county, averaging 497 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central Missouri |
| Top Commodities | Hogs, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Corn, Wheat, Horses |
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 Sullivan County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
23487 Eclipse Dr, Milan, MO 63556
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 Sullivan County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Sullivan County greening up around June and peaking in July. The county carries about 99,860 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Sullivan County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Sullivan County at an average farm size of 497 acres, 9% small operations, 24% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 24 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Sullivan County
Given the operation mix in Sullivan County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and waste management and nutrient planning for confined livestock operations. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Sullivan County Operations
Based on Sullivan County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Soil conservation programs promote no-till practices and cover crops to maintain soil health on rolling prairie terrain. Livestock operations focus on nutrient management and pasture rotation to optimize forage production and environmental protection.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Sullivan County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Adair County, Missouri, Grundy County, Missouri, Linn County, Missouri, Mercer County, Missouri, and Putnam County, Missouri. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Sullivan 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.