Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Clark County
Clark County is part of the Lost River Valleys and Mountains land resource region (MLRA 12). The county's mean elevation is about 5,606 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Clark County sees 16.7 in of rain, a 184-day growing season, a 40.3°F mean annual temperature.
Clark County carries 6,173 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 128,551 acres. 67 farms operate in the county, averaging 3,077 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Eastern Idaho |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Wheat, Barley, Corn, Bison |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 20+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Clark County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
1210 S Industrial Park Road, St Anthony, ID 83445
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
210 S 5th West, Rigby, ID 83442
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 Clark County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Clark County greening up around April and peaking in May. The county carries about 128,551 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 Clark County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Clark County at an average farm size of 3,077 acres, 2% small operations, 32% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 48,780 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 Clark County
With cattle and grain in the mix in Clark 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 brush management (rangeland). 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 Clark County Operations
Based on Clark County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Extreme elevation and harsh climate result in frequent crop failures requiring regular Disaster Assistance program participation. LFP provides essential support for livestock operations in grizzly bear and wolf recovery areas.
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 Clark County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Butte County, Idaho, Fremont County, Idaho, Jefferson County, Idaho, Lemhi County, Idaho, and Beaverhead County, Montana. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Clark County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Idaho guide: Idaho Farm Programs Guide
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