Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Shoshone County
Elevation across Shoshone County averages about 4,237 feet. The county falls within the Northern Rocky Mountains (MLRA 43A) land resource region.
The growing season in Shoshone County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 47.6 inches per year. January lows average around 22°F while July highs reach about 77°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 44 farms in Shoshone County, operating across 1,605 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 36 acres. Top commodities include cattle, goats, and goats.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northern Idaho Panhandle |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Goats, Horses, Sheep, Fruit & tree nuts, Honey |
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 Shoshone County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
7830 Meadowlark Way Ste C, Coeur D Alene, ID 83815
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
900 E St, Plummer, ID 83851
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.
Forage and Grazing in Shoshone County
The forage year in Shoshone County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 181 acres of pastureland and 129 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Shoshone County
About 15% of Shoshone County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 76% of farms here are small operations. The average farm runs 36 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Shoshone County
Given the operation mix in Shoshone County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations, and brush management for rangeland. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Shoshone County Operations
Based on Shoshone County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Riparian restoration and mine site reclamation projects receive priority EQIP funding in this heavily forested county. Forest health practices address wildfire prevention on the limited agricultural lands.
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 Shoshone County: Benewah County, Idaho, Bonner County, Idaho, Clearwater County, Idaho, Kootenai County, Idaho, Latah County, Idaho, and Mineral County, Montana. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Shoshone County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Idaho guide: Idaho Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.