Idaho County, Idaho: USDA programs and conservation funding

696
Farms & Ranches
545K
Acres in Agriculture
783
Avg Farm Size (acres)
Top commodities: Grain, Wheat, Field Crops, Other, Grain, Hogs
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Idaho County, Idaho has 696 farms working 545,260 agricultural acres (average 783 acres per farm). Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Wheat, 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 Idaho County

Idaho County lies in the Central Rocky Mountains (MLRA 43B) region. Elevation averages about 4,201 feet.

Idaho County averages 36.9 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 42.2°F.

Idaho County's agricultural base centers on wheat and hogs. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 696 farms working 545,260 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 14,434 head.


Quick Facts

RegionNorth Central Idaho
Top CommoditiesWheat, Poultry, Hogs, Horses, Goats, Fruit & tree nuts

Current Conditions

Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 43+ 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 Idaho County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

102 South Hall, Grangeville, ID 83530

(208) 494-3024

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 Idaho County Operations

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

EQIP focuses exclusively on riparian restoration and stream bank stabilization for anadromous fish habitat protection. LFP provides critical support for livestock operations experiencing losses from wolves, bears, and mountain lions in wilderness 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

Counties Bordering Idaho County

Idaho County shares borders with Adams County, Idaho, Clearwater County, Idaho, Lemhi County, Idaho, Lewis County, Idaho, Nez Perce County, Idaho, and Valley County, Idaho. 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 Idaho County

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

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

Related program guides

EQIP FencingCRPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.35
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.77
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Idaho 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.