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: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 52+ 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 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.
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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