Webster County, Missouri: USDA programs and conservation funding

1,609
Farms & Ranches
266K
Acres in Agriculture
166
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$39.6M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Milk, Field Crops, Other, Grain, Corn
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Webster County, Missouri has 1,609 farms working 266,345 agricultural acres (average 166 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $39.6 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Milk, Field Crops, Other. Vegetation typically peaks in Jun, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Webster County

Webster County sits within the Ozark Highland (MLRA 116A) region. Elevation averages about 1,534 feet.

Temperatures in Webster County range from a January mean low of 22°F to a July mean high near 87°F. Annual precipitation averages 46.1 inches. Expect about 275 frost-free days.

Webster County ran 1,609 farms, 266,345 acres of farmland, and 39,655 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, milk, and corn.


Quick Facts

RegionSouthwest Missouri
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Poultry, Dairy, Corn, Horses, Soybeans

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 Webster County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

1202 Banning St, Marshfield, MO 65706

(417) 468-2088

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 Webster County Operations

Based on Webster County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Conservation practices focus on nutrient management from poultry operations and maintaining water quality in the James River watershed through buffer strips and proper waste application. Pasture improvement programs help optimize forage production on native grass systems.

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

Bordering Counties

If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Christian County, Missouri, Dallas County, Missouri, Douglas County, Missouri, Greene County, Missouri, Laclede County, Missouri, and Wright County, Missouri. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Webster County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Missouri guide: Missouri Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP FencingCRPEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.60
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.84
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Webster County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.