Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Jefferson County
Jefferson County sits within the Central Rocky Mountains (MLRA 43B) region. Elevation averages about 7,167 feet.
Temperatures in Jefferson County range from a January mean low of 15°F to a July mean high near 78°F. Annual precipitation averages 17.8 inches. Expect about 184 frost-free days.
Jefferson County ran 364 farms, 454,324 acres of farmland, and 19,955 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, sheep, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Montana |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Sheep, Horses, Poultry, Fruit & tree nuts, Honey |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Jefferson County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
3 Whitetail Rd, Whitehall, MT 59759
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 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. 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 Broadwater County, Montana, Deer Lodge County, Montana, Gallatin County, Montana, Lewis and Clark County, Montana, Madison County, Montana, and Powell County, Montana. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
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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