Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Madison County
Elevation across Madison County averages about 6,953 feet. The county falls within the Central Rocky Mountains (MLRA 43B) land resource region.
The growing season in Madison County spans roughly 184 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 23.0 inches per year. January lows average around 14°F while July highs reach about 77°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 567 farms in Madison County, operating across 925,384 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,632 acres. Top commodities include cattle, wheat, and honey.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Montana |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Wheat, Honey, Horses, Barley |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 6+ 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 Madison County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
402 South Main, Sheridan, MT 59749
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
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 Madison County Operations
Based on Madison County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP projects focus on irrigation efficiency improvements and riparian restoration along the Madison River system. Conservation practices emphasize protecting water quality while maintaining productive hay meadows and grazing lands.
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 Madison County: Fremont County, Idaho, Beaverhead County, Montana, Gallatin County, Montana, Jefferson County, Montana, and Silver Bow County, Montana. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Madison 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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