Custer County, Montana
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
Rolling prairie and badlands terrain stretches along the Yellowstone River valley, with colorful sandstone formations and scattered pine-covered hills breaking the grassland expanse. The county encompasses part of the historic Custer National Forest and features the dramatic Chalk Buttes along the North Dakota border.
Irrigated agriculture along the Yellowstone River supports corn, sugar beets, and alfalfa production, while extensive dryland farming and cattle ranching operations utilize the surrounding prairie. The county benefits from both surface water irrigation and productive agricultural soils in the river corridor.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Montana |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Wheat, Sheep, Horses, Poultry |
| Farms & Ranches | ~320 (approx.) |
| Agricultural Land | ~2,140,000 acres |
| Average Farm Size | ~5,600 acres |
Find Your Local USDA Offices
Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS and FSA under one roof.
Find your Service Center:
Search for "Custer County" to find your local NRCS and FSA offices.
What to do when you call: Ask for a conservation planner (EQIP/CSP) or loan officer (FSA). Mention your operation type and planned improvements.
Programs for Custer County Operations
Based on Custer County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Irrigation efficiency and soil conservation are prioritized along the productive Yellowstone River valley. Dryland areas receive support for implementing no-till practices and establishing wildlife habitat through grassland restoration programs.
Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener — 2 minutes, personalized action packet.
Local Conservation Priorities
EQIP applications addressing local priorities score higher in ranking.
We don't have Custer County's specific LWG priorities yet.
Ask your local NRCS office: "What are the priority resource concerns in Custer County?"
Your Next Steps in Custer 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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