Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Phillips County
Elevation across Phillips County averages about 2,524 feet. The county falls within the Brown Glaciated Plains (MLRA 52) land resource region.
The growing season in Phillips County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 13.5 inches per year. January lows average around 6°F while July highs reach about 85°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 377 farms in Phillips County, operating across 1,874,160 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 4,971 acres. Top commodities include cattle, wheat, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central Montana |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Wheat, Corn, Barley, Hogs, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 8+ 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 Phillips County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1120 Us Hwy 191 S., Malta, MT 59538
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 Phillips County Operations
Based on Phillips County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
CRP contracts protect highly erodible soils and provide wildlife habitat across extensive dryland farming areas. EQIP supports crop rotation systems including pulse crops and conservation tillage practices adapted to semi-arid conditions.
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 Phillips County: Blaine County, Montana, Fergus County, Montana, Garfield County, Montana, Petroleum County, Montana, and Valley County, Montana. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Phillips 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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