Jefferson County, Montana
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
Mountain valleys and foothills between the Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains, with the Boulder River and numerous mountain creeks providing water for irrigation. The county features a mix of valley floors, rolling hills, and timbered mountain slopes surrounding the historic mining and ranching communities.
Diversified mountain valley agriculture includes hay production, small grains, and cattle ranching utilizing both valley bottoms and mountain pastures. The county's location between Helena and Butte supports both traditional ranching and smaller-scale specialty agricultural operations.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Montana |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Sheep, Horses, Poultry, Fruit & tree nuts, Honey |
| Farms & Ranches | ~160 (approx.) |
| Agricultural Land | ~450,000 acres |
| Average Farm Size | ~1,200 acres |
Find Your Local USDA Offices
Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS and FSA under one roof.
Find your Service Center:
Search for "Jefferson County" to find your local NRCS and FSA offices.
What to do when you call: Ask for a conservation planner (EQIP/CSP) or loan officer (FSA). Mention your operation type and planned improvements.
Programs for Jefferson County Operations
Based on Jefferson County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Riparian restoration and water quality protection are priorities due to the county's position in important watershed areas. Programs support traditional ranching operations while helping producers adapt to growing recreational and residential development pressures in the region.
Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener — 2 minutes, personalized action packet.
Local Conservation Priorities
EQIP applications addressing local priorities score higher in ranking.
We don't have Jefferson County's specific LWG priorities yet.
Ask your local NRCS office: "What are the priority resource concerns in Jefferson County?"
Your Next Steps in Jefferson 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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