Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Chouteau County
Chouteau County is part of the Brown Glaciated Plains land resource region (MLRA 52). The county's mean elevation is about 2,828 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Chouteau County sees 13.8 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 44.2°F mean annual temperature.
Chouteau County carries 32,833 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 810,573 acres. 687 farms operate in the county, averaging 3,434 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | North-Central Montana |
| Top Commodities | Wheat, Cattle & calves, Barley, Corn, Horses, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 23+ 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 Chouteau County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1210 25th St, Fort Benton, MT 59442
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 Chouteau County Operations
Based on Chouteau County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation efforts prioritize soil health and wind erosion control through strategic tillage practices and residue management. Programs support producers in adapting to climate variability and maintaining profitability in the challenging northern plains 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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Chouteau County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Blaine County, Montana, Cascade County, Montana, Fergus County, Montana, Hill County, Montana, Judith Basin County, Montana, and Liberty County, Montana. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Chouteau 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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