Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Carbon County
Carbon County lies in the Northern and Central Rocky Mountain Foothills (MLRA 46) region. Elevation averages about 3,908 feet.
Carbon County averages 17.6 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 43.1°F.
Carbon County's agricultural base centers on cattle, corn, and barley. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 681 farms working 738,590 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 23,560 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | South-Central Montana |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Barley, Wheat, Horses, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Carbon County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
606 W Front Ave, Joliet, MT 59041
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 Carbon County Operations
Based on Carbon County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
High-altitude grazing management and wildlife conflict mitigation are priority conservation areas given proximity to Yellowstone ecosystem. Irrigation modernization projects focus on water efficiency improvements along the productive Yellowstone River corridor.
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 Carbon County
Carbon County shares borders with Big Horn County, Montana, Park County, Montana, Stillwater County, Montana, Yellowstone County, Montana, Big Horn County, Wyoming, and Park County, Wyoming. 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 Carbon 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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