Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Custer County
Elevation across Custer County averages about 2,898 feet. The county falls within the Northern Rolling High Plains, Northern Part (MLRA 58A) land resource region.
The growing season in Custer County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 14.5 inches per year. January lows average around 9°F while July highs reach about 88°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 379 farms in Custer County, operating across 2,137,368 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 5,639 acres. Top commodities include cattle, corn, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Montana |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Wheat, Sheep, Horses, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 15+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Custer County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
3120 Valley Dr E, Miles City, MT 59301
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 Custer County
The forage year in Custer County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 1,950,520 acres of pastureland and 45,000 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Custer County
About 26% of Custer County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 13% of farms are small and 29% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 5,639 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Custer County
With cattle and corn in the mix in Custer County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and brush management (rangeland). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
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. 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 Custer County: Carter County, Montana, Fallon County, Montana, Garfield County, Montana, Powder River County, Montana, Prairie County, Montana, and Rosebud County, Montana. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
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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