Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Fergus County
Fergus County lies in the Northern Rolling High Plains, Northern Part (MLRA 58A) region. Elevation averages about 5,942 feet.
Fergus County averages 17.0 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 44.2°F.
Fergus County's agricultural base centers on cattle, wheat, and barley. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 779 farms working 2,315,398 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 73,364 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Montana |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Wheat, Barley, Floriculture, Horses, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 11+ 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 Fergus County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
211 Mckinley St, Lewistown, MT 59457
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 Fergus County Operations
Based on Fergus County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Soil health initiatives focus on maintaining the productivity of some of Montana's premier dryland farming soils. Conservation programs emphasize diverse crop rotations and integration of livestock grazing to sustain long-term agricultural productivity.
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
Counties Bordering Fergus County
Fergus County shares borders with Blaine County, Montana, Chouteau County, Montana, Golden Valley County, Montana, Judith Basin County, Montana, Musselshell County, Montana, and Petroleum County, Montana. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Fergus 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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