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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Montrose County
Montrose County is part of the Southwestern Plateaus, Mesas, and Foothills land resource region (MLRA 36). The county's mean elevation is about 8,884 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Montrose County sees 14.9 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 48.2°F mean annual temperature.
Montrose County carries 670 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 178,350 acres. 1,050 farms operate in the county, averaging 272 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Western Colorado |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Poultry, Vegetables, Corn, Sheep, Fruit & tree nuts |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3).
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 Montrose County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
690 Industrial Blvd, Delta, CO 81416
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
102 Par Pl, Montrose, CO 81401
This county also has 1 additional NRCS office. View all offices
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 Montrose County Operations
Based on Montrose County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Specialty crop programs support diversification into fruits and vegetables while maintaining traditional hay and livestock production. Water management focuses on efficient irrigation systems drawing from the Uncompahgre River and supporting both agricultural and environmental needs.
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 Montrose County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Delta County, Colorado, Gunnison County, Colorado, Mesa County, Colorado, Ouray County, Colorado, San Miguel County, Colorado, and Grand County, Utah. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Montrose County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Colorado guide: Colorado Farm Programs Guide
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