Fallon County, Montana: USDA programs and conservation funding

237
Farms & Ranches
862K
Acres in Agriculture
3,638
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$29.0M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Grain, Field Crops, Other, Wheat, Corn
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Fallon County, Montana has 237 farms working 862,293 agricultural acres (average 3,638 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $29.0 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Grain, Field Crops, Other. Vegetation typically peaks in Jun, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Fallon County

Fallon County sits within the Northern Rolling High Plains, Northern Part (MLRA 58A) region. Elevation averages about 3,030 feet.

Temperatures in Fallon County range from a January mean low of 7°F to a July mean high near 85°F. Annual precipitation averages 15.5 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.

Fallon County ran 237 farms, 862,293 acres of farmland, and 24,067 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, wheat, and corn.


Quick Facts

RegionSoutheast Montana
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Wheat, Corn, Barley, Sheep, Horses

Current Conditions

Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.

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 Fallon County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

141 S 4th St W, Baker, MT 59313

(406) 778-2238

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 Fallon County Operations

Based on Fallon County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Grassland conservation and drought preparedness are central to agricultural support in this arid ranching region. Programs emphasize maintaining native prairie ecosystems while supporting sustainable livestock grazing operations.

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 Carter County, Montana, Custer County, Montana, Prairie County, Montana, Wibaux County, Montana, Bowman County, North Dakota, and Golden Valley County, North Dakota. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Fallon County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Montana guide: Montana Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP Prescribed GrazingCSP

Vegetation Baseline

0.26
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.51
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Fallon County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.