Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Meagher County
Meagher County is part of the Central Rocky Mountains land resource region (MLRA 43B). The county's mean elevation is about 5,450 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Meagher County sees 20.9 in of rain, a 184-day growing season, a 40.0°F mean annual temperature.
Meagher County carries 25,499 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 680,009 acres. 129 farms operate in the county, averaging 6,825 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Montana |
| Top Commodities | Barley, Horses, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 18+ 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 Meagher County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
4147 Us Highway 12 W, White Sulphur Spgs, MT 59645
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 Meagher County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Meagher County greening up around April and peaking in June. The county carries about 680,009 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Meagher County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Meagher County at an average farm size of 6,825 acres, 13% small operations, 28% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 34,291 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Meagher County
Given the operation mix in Meagher County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations, and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Meagher County Operations
Based on Meagher County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP supports high altitude grazing management and wildlife habitat improvements in mountain environments. Conservation efforts focus on protecting watershed resources and managing grazing intensity on sensitive mountain rangelands.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Meagher County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Broadwater County, Montana, Cascade County, Montana, Gallatin County, Montana, Judith Basin County, Montana, Lewis and Clark County, Montana, and Park County, Montana. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Meagher 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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