Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Richland County
Richland County sits within the Northern Dark Brown Glaciated Plains (MLRA 53A) region. Elevation averages about 2,483 feet.
Temperatures in Richland County range from a January mean low of 4°F to a July mean high near 85°F. Annual precipitation averages 14.7 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.
Richland County ran 448 farms, 1,147,949 acres of farmland, and 24,610 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, wheat, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | Eastern Montana |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Wheat, Corn, Barley, Soybeans, Horses |
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 Richland County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2745 West Holly, Sidney, MT 59270
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 Richland County Operations
Based on Richland County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP supports precision agriculture technologies and irrigation efficiency improvements for intensive crop production. Conservation practices emphasize soil health in rotation systems and managing agricultural impacts from energy development activities.
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 Dawson County, Montana, McCone County, Montana, Roosevelt County, Montana, Wibaux County, Montana, McKenzie County, North Dakota, and Williams County, North Dakota. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Richland 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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