Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Clearwater County
Elevation across Clearwater County averages about 4,014 feet. The county falls within the Northern Rocky Mountains (MLRA 43A) land resource region.
The growing season in Clearwater County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 45.6 inches per year. January lows average around 22°F while July highs reach about 79°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 273 farms in Clearwater County, operating across 66,230 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 243 acres. Top commodities include wheat, sheep, and goats.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central Idaho |
| Top Commodities | Wheat, Vegetables, Sheep, Goats, Fruit & tree nuts, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 12+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Clearwater County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
1630 23rd Ave Suite 1201, Lewiston, ID 83501
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
521 Oak St, Nezperce, ID 83543
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 Clearwater County Operations
Based on Clearwater County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
CREP enrollment focuses on protecting critical steelhead and salmon spawning habitat in the Clearwater River drainage. EQIP supports agroforestry practices that integrate timber management with livestock grazing 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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Clearwater County: Idaho County, Idaho, Latah County, Idaho, Lewis County, Idaho, Nez Perce County, Idaho, Shoshone County, Idaho, and Mineral County, Montana. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Clearwater 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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