Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Silver Bow County
Elevation across Silver Bow County averages about 5,815 feet. The county falls within the Central Rocky Mountains (MLRA 43B) land resource region.
The growing season in Silver Bow County spans roughly 184 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 18.1 inches per year. January lows average around 14°F while July highs reach about 77°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 156 farms in Silver Bow County, operating across 68,857 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 441 acres. Top commodities include cattle, equine, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Montana |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Horses, Sheep, Poultry, Floriculture |
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 Silver Bow County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
3 Whitetail Rd, Whitehall, MT 59759
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 Silver Bow County
The forage year in Silver Bow County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 51,668 acres of pastureland and 1,185 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Silver Bow County
About 26% of Silver Bow County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 27% of farms are small and 13% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 441 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Silver Bow County
With cattle and sheep in the mix in Silver Bow 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 Silver Bow County Operations
Based on Silver Bow County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP projects support soil and water quality improvements in areas recovering from historic mining impacts. Conservation practices emphasize riparian restoration and sustainable land management in the Clark Fork River watershed.
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 Silver Bow County: Beaverhead County, Montana, Deer Lodge County, Montana, Jefferson County, Montana, and Madison County, Montana. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Silver Bow 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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