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 18+ 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 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.
Forage and Grazing in Fergus County
Fergus County reported 73,364 head of cattle across roughly 1,592,081 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a June growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Fergus County.
Farm Structure in Fergus County
Irrigation covers about 1% of farmland in Fergus County, roughly 20,032 acres. Farms average 2,972 acres, with about 10% classed as small operations. Around 25% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Fergus County
Given the operation mix in Fergus County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and brush management for rangeland. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
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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