Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Musselshell County
Musselshell County sits within the Northern Rolling High Plains, Northern Part (MLRA 58A) region. Elevation averages about 3,326 feet.
Temperatures in Musselshell County range from a January mean low of 13°F to a July mean high near 86°F. Annual precipitation averages 15.1 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.
Musselshell County ran 336 farms, 1,126,951 acres of farmland, and 24,448 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, wheat, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Montana |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Wheat, Corn, Barley, Horses, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Musselshell County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
747 Main Street, Roundup, MT 59072
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 Musselshell County Operations
Based on Musselshell County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
CRP provides crucial soil erosion protection on highly erodible cropland in this semi-arid region. EQIP supports flexible grazing systems and drought mitigation strategies for both crop and livestock enterprises.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Fergus County, Montana, Golden Valley County, Montana, Petroleum County, Montana, Rosebud County, Montana, and Yellowstone County, Montana. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Musselshell 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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