Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Sheridan County
Sheridan County is part of the Northern Dark Brown Glaciated Plains land resource region (MLRA 53A). The county's mean elevation is about 2,202 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Sheridan County sees 14.8 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 40.2°F mean annual temperature.
Sheridan County carries 7,120 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 251,502 acres. 448 farms operate in the county, averaging 2,212 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Montana |
| Top Commodities | Wheat, Cattle & calves, Barley, Sheep, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Sheridan County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
119 N Jackson St, Plentywood, MT 59254
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 Sheridan County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Sheridan County greening up around May and peaking in June. The county carries about 251,502 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 Sheridan County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Sheridan County at an average farm size of 2,212 acres, 3% small operations, 27% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 6,256 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 Sheridan County
With cattle and grain in the mix in Sheridan County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and brush management (rangeland). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Sheridan County Operations
Based on Sheridan County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
CRP and CREP programs protect sensitive wetland margins and provide crucial waterfowl habitat throughout the prairie pothole landscape. EQIP supports farming practices that integrate agricultural production with wetland and grassland conservation.
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 Sheridan County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Daniels County, Montana, Roosevelt County, Montana, Divide County, North Dakota, and Williams County, North Dakota. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Sheridan 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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