Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Blaine County
Blaine County lies in the Brown Glaciated Plains (MLRA 52) region. Elevation averages about 2,690 feet.
Blaine County averages 14.4 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 42.7°F.
Blaine County's agricultural base centers on cattle, wheat, and honey. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 387 farms working 1,880,136 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 48,272 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | North-Central Montana |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Wheat, Honey, Horses, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Blaine County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
228 Ohio, Chinook, MT 59523
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 Blaine County
Blaine County reported 48,272 head of cattle across roughly 1,372,999 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows May green-up and a June growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Blaine County.
Farm Structure in Blaine County
Irrigation covers about 2% of farmland in Blaine County, roughly 43,985 acres. Farms average 4,858 acres, with about 4% classed as small operations. Around 31% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Blaine County
With cattle and grain in the mix in Blaine 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 pollinator habitat plantings (apiaries). 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 Blaine County Operations
Based on Blaine County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs target wind and water erosion control through strategic crop residue management and grassland restoration. Support focuses on drought resilience and maintaining soil health in the challenging semi-arid environment.
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 Blaine County
Blaine County shares borders with Chouteau County, Montana, Fergus County, Montana, Hill County, Montana, and Phillips 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 Blaine 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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