← Montana Farm Programs Guide

Madison County, Montana

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

Madison County features the Madison River valley surrounded by the Tobacco Root and Madison mountain ranges. The county includes portions of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness and historic Virginia City.

Irrigated hay production dominates valley bottoms along the Madison River with high-quality alfalfa and grass hay crops. Cattle operations combine irrigated pastures with mountain grazing permits for summer range.


Quick Facts

RegionSouthwest Montana
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Vegetables, Wheat, Honey, Horses, Barley
Farms & Ranches~280 (approx.)
Agricultural Land~930,000 acres
Average Farm Size~1,600 acres

Find Your Local USDA Offices

Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS and FSA under one roof.

Find your Service Center:

→ USDA Service Center Locator

Search for "Madison 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 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 — 2 minutes, personalized action packet.


Local Conservation Priorities

EQIP applications addressing local priorities score higher in ranking.

We don't have Madison County's specific LWG priorities yet.

Ask your local NRCS office: "What are the priority resource concerns in Madison County?"


Your Next Steps in Madison 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

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