Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Judith Basin County
Judith Basin County lies in the Northern and Central Rocky Mountain Foothills (MLRA 46) region. Elevation averages about 5,242 feet.
Judith Basin County averages 19.4 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 184 days. Annual mean temperature is 42.0°F.
Judith Basin County's agricultural base centers on cattle, wheat, and barley. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 291 farms working 692,347 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 29,886 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Montana |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Wheat, Barley, Sheep, Horses, Poultry |
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 Judith Basin County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
121 Central Ave, Stanford, MT 59479
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 Judith Basin County Operations
Based on Judith Basin County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Soil health maintenance is critical for preserving the productivity of these premium dryland farming soils. Conservation programs emphasize sustainable crop rotations and practices that maintain soil organic matter while supporting the area's reputation for high-quality grain production.
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 Judith Basin County
Judith Basin County shares borders with Cascade County, Montana, Chouteau County, Montana, Fergus County, Montana, Meagher County, Montana, and Wheatland 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 Judith Basin 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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