Lewis and Clark County, Montana
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
Encompasses the Helena Valley and surrounding mountain ranges including the Big Belt and Elkhorn Mountains, with the Missouri River flowing through historic Gates of the Mountains. The diverse landscape includes broad valleys, mountain foothills, timbered slopes, and the state capital region.
Diversified agriculture includes irrigated hay and small grains in the Helena Valley, with cattle ranching extending into the surrounding foothills and mountain areas. The county's proximity to Helena creates opportunities for direct marketing, specialty crops, and agritourism operations.
Quick Facts
| Region | West-Central Montana |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Wheat, Horses, Sheep, Goats, Vegetables |
| Farms & Ranches | ~290 (approx.) |
| Agricultural Land | ~1,000,000 acres |
| Average Farm Size | ~1,700 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 "Lewis and Clark 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 Lewis and Clark County Operations
Based on Lewis and Clark County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Urban interface management and water quality protection for the Missouri River are major conservation focuses. Programs support producers adapting to development pressures while maintaining viable agricultural operations near the growing Helena metropolitan area.
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 Lewis and Clark County's specific LWG priorities yet.
Ask your local NRCS office: "What are the priority resource concerns in Lewis and Clark County?"
Your Next Steps in Lewis and Clark 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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