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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Worth County
Worth County lies in the Iowa and Missouri Heavy Till Plain (MLRA 109) region. Elevation averages about 1,036 feet.
Worth County averages 37.6 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 51.4°F.
Worth County's agricultural base centers on soybeans, corn, and hogs. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 388 farms working 148,910 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 3,525 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwest Missouri |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Fruit & tree nuts |
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 Worth County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
18 W 3rd St, Grant City, MO 64456
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 Worth County
Worth County reported 3,525 head of cattle across roughly 22,946 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April 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 Worth County.
Farm Structure in Worth County
Worth County reports about 469 acres under irrigation. Farms average 384 acres, with about 13% classed as small operations. Around 24% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Worth County
With cattle and corn in the mix in Worth County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and waste management and nutrient planning (confined livestock operations). 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 Worth County Operations
Based on Worth County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Soil health programs promote cover crops and reduced tillage to maintain the productivity of prime prairie soils and prevent erosion. Precision agriculture techniques optimize fertilizer and seed placement to maximize yields on the county's high-quality farmland.
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 Worth County
Worth County shares borders with Ringgold County, Iowa, Taylor County, Iowa, Gentry County, Missouri, Harrison County, Missouri, and Nodaway 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 Worth 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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