Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Rosebud County
Rosebud County sits within the Northern Rolling High Plains, Northern Part (MLRA 58A) region. Elevation averages about 3,229 feet.
Temperatures in Rosebud County range from a January mean low of 10°F to a July mean high near 87°F. Annual precipitation averages 14.7 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.
Rosebud County ran 360 farms, 2,873,641 acres of farmland, and 64,857 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, wheat, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Montana |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Wheat, Corn, Barley, Sheep, 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 Rosebud County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
8645 S. Weaver Dr. Student Union Bldg, Rm 205, Crow Agency, MT 59022
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
270 S Prospect St, Forsyth, MT 59327
This county also has 3 additional NRCS offices. View all offices
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 Rosebud County Operations
Based on Rosebud County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP supports extensive grazing management and rangeland improvements on large ranch operations across diverse terrain. Conservation practices emphasize sustainable grazing systems and drought resilience for operations in this semi-arid environment.
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 Big Horn County, Montana, Custer County, Montana, Garfield County, Montana, Musselshell County, Montana, Petroleum County, Montana, and Powder River County, Montana. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Rosebud County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Montana guide: Montana Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.