Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Gallatin County
Elevation across Gallatin County averages about 6,498 feet. The county falls within the Central Rocky Mountains (MLRA 43B) land resource region.
The growing season in Gallatin County spans roughly 184 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 24.4 inches per year. January lows average around 13°F while July highs reach about 78°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,009 farms in Gallatin County, operating across 655,883 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 650 acres. Top commodities include cattle, wheat, and barley.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Montana |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Wheat, Barley, Dairy, Floriculture |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Gallatin County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
3710 Fallon St, Bozeman, MT 59718
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 Gallatin County
The forage year in Gallatin County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 399,079 acres of pastureland and 23,195 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Gallatin County
About 26% of Gallatin County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 34% of farms are small and 15% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 650 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Gallatin County
Gallatin County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, cattle, and wheat. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Gallatin County Operations
Based on Gallatin County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs balance intensive agricultural production with protection of water quality and wildlife habitat connectivity. Urban growth pressures drive programs supporting agricultural land preservation and helping farmers adapt to development pressures while maintaining 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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Gallatin County: Fremont County, Idaho, Broadwater County, Montana, Jefferson County, Montana, Madison County, Montana, Meagher County, Montana, and Park County, Montana. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Gallatin 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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