Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Beaverhead County
Beaverhead County lies in the Central Rocky Mountains (MLRA 43B) region. Elevation averages about 6,368 feet.
Beaverhead County averages 20.2 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 184 days. Annual mean temperature is 38.2°F.
Beaverhead County's agricultural base centers on cattle, wheat, and sheep. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 386 farms working 1,012,816 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 56,523 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Montana |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Wheat, Sheep, Horses, Berries, Fruit & tree nuts |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 6+ 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 Beaverhead County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
420 Barrett St, Dillon, MT 59725
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 Beaverhead County Operations
Based on Beaverhead County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation efforts focus on riparian protection and sage grouse habitat management across vast grazing allotments. High-altitude ranching operations receive targeted support for seasonal grazing management and predator-resistant livestock infrastructure.
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 Beaverhead County
Beaverhead County shares borders with Clark County, Idaho, Fremont County, Idaho, Lemhi County, Idaho, Deer Lodge County, Montana, Madison County, Montana, and Ravalli County, Montana. 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 Beaverhead County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Montana guide: Montana Farm Programs Guide
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