Lincoln County, Montana: USDA programs and conservation funding

251
Farms & Ranches
50K
Acres in Agriculture
199
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$2.8M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Cut Flowers & Cut Cultivated Greens, Tomatoes, Sheep
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Lincoln County, Montana has 251 farms working 50,005 agricultural acres (average 199 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $2.8 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Cut Flowers & Cut Cultivated Greens. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Lincoln County

Elevation across Lincoln County averages about 4,888 feet. The county falls within the Northern Rocky Mountains (MLRA 43A) land resource region.

The growing season in Lincoln County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 32.0 inches per year. January lows average around 19°F while July highs reach about 78°F.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 251 farms in Lincoln County, operating across 50,005 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 199 acres. Top commodities include cattle, cut flowers & cut cultivated greens, and tomatoes.


Quick Facts

RegionNorthwest Montana
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Vegetables, Floriculture, Poultry, Fruit & tree nuts, Sheep

Current Conditions

Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.

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 Lincoln County.

NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)

949 Highway 93 North, Eureka, MT 59917

(406) 296-7177

FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)

133 Interstate Ln, Kalispell, MT 59901

(406) 752-4242

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 Lincoln County Operations

Based on Lincoln County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

EQIP funding supports forest grazing management and riparian protection along mountain streams. Programs emphasize wildlife habitat enhancement and erosion control on steep mountain slopes used for grazing.

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 Lincoln County: Bonner County, Idaho, Boundary County, Idaho, Flathead County, Montana, and Sanders County, Montana. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.

Your Next Steps in Lincoln County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Montana guide: Montana Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP FencingCRPEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSP

Vegetation Baseline

0.28
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.84
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Lincoln County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.