Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Stillwater County
Stillwater County is part of the Northern Rolling High Plains, Northern Part land resource region (MLRA 58A). The county's mean elevation is about 3,953 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Stillwater County sees 18.4 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 43.8°F mean annual temperature.
Stillwater County carries 17,534 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 411,694 acres. 464 farms operate in the county, averaging 1,226 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Montana |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Wheat, Sheep, Barley, Corn, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Stillwater County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
334 N 9th St, Columbus, MT 59019
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 Stillwater County Operations
Based on Stillwater County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP supports irrigation efficiency improvements and wildlife habitat enhancement in the Yellowstone River valley. Conservation practices emphasize sustainable agriculture while protecting water quality and wildlife migration corridors.
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 Stillwater County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Carbon County, Montana, Golden Valley County, Montana, Park County, Montana, Sweet Grass County, Montana, and Yellowstone County, Montana. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Stillwater 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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