Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Cascade County
Elevation across Cascade County averages about 4,070 feet. The county falls within the Northern and Central Rocky Mountain Foothills (MLRA 46) land resource region.
The growing season in Cascade County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 17.0 inches per year. January lows average around 15°F while July highs reach about 81°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 976 farms in Cascade County, operating across 1,364,780 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,398 acres. Top commodities include cattle, wheat, and hogs.
Quick Facts
| Region | North-Central Montana |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Wheat, Hogs, Barley, Dairy, Poultry |
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 Cascade County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
12 3rd St NW, Suite 300, Great Falls, MT 59404
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 Cascade County
The forage year in Cascade County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in May (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 854,242 acres of pastureland and 69,727 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Cascade County
About 25% of Cascade County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 23% of farms are small and 20% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 1,398 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Cascade County
Cascade County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, grain, and wheat. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for confined livestock operations, waste management and nutrient planning. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Cascade County Operations
Based on Cascade County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Soil conservation practices focus on wind erosion control and moisture retention in the semi-arid farming environment. Programs emphasize sustainable dryland farming techniques and integration of livestock grazing with crop production systems.
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 Cascade County: Chouteau County, Montana, Judith Basin County, Montana, Lewis and Clark County, Montana, Meagher County, Montana, and Teton County, Montana. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Cascade 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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