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
| Region | Northwest Montana |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Floriculture, Poultry, Fruit & tree nuts, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 5+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
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
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
133 Interstate Ln, Kalispell, MT 59901
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.
Forage and Grazing in Lincoln County
The forage year in Lincoln County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 18,800 acres of pastureland and 3,490 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Lincoln County
About 38% of Lincoln County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 33% of farms are small and 6% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 199 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Lincoln County
Lincoln County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, cut flowers & cut cultivated greens, and tomatoes. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for specialty-crop acres, high tunnels, irrigation efficiency, and NAP coverage. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
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
- 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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