Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Dawson County
Dawson County sits within the Northern Rolling High Plains, Northern Part (MLRA 58A) region. Elevation averages about 2,556 feet.
Temperatures in Dawson County range from a January mean low of 6°F to a July mean high near 85°F. Annual precipitation averages 14.4 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.
Dawson County ran 427 farms, 1,177,000 acres of farmland, and 18,716 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: wheat, cattle, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | Eastern Montana |
| Top Commodities | Wheat, Cattle & calves, Corn, Barley, Sheep, Soybeans |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Dawson County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
102 Fir St, Glendive, MT 59330
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 Dawson County Operations
Based on Dawson County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Irrigation modernization and water conservation are key priorities along the Yellowstone River corridor. Dryland areas focus on soil health improvement through no-till practices and integration of livestock grazing with crop production.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see McCone County, Montana, Prairie County, Montana, Richland County, Montana, and Wibaux County, Montana. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Dawson County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Montana guide: Montana Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.