Teton County, Montana: USDA programs and conservation funding

610
Farms & Ranches
914K
Acres in Agriculture
1,498
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$37.9M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Wheat, Cattle, Barley, Field Crops, Other
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Teton County, Montana has 610 farms working 913,638 agricultural acres (average 1,498 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $37.9 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Wheat, Cattle. Vegetation typically peaks in Jun, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Teton County

Teton County is part of the Northern and Central Rocky Mountain Foothills land resource region (MLRA 46). The county's mean elevation is about 4,103 feet.

Based on 1991–2020 normals, Teton County sees 17.2 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 42.0°F mean annual temperature.

Teton County carries 17,057 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 379,269 acres. 610 farms operate in the county, averaging 1,498 acres each.


Quick Facts

RegionNorth Central Montana
Top CommoditiesWheat, Cattle & calves, Barley, Poultry, Dairy, Corn

Current Conditions

Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 52+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.

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 Teton County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

1102 Main Ave N, Choteau, MT 59422

(406) 466-5351

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 Teton County Operations

Based on Teton County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

EQIP projects emphasize wildlife habitat enhancement and grazing management compatible with grizzly bear conservation along the Rocky Mountain Front. Conservation practices support sustainable agriculture while protecting critical wildlife corridors and habitat.

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 Teton County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Cascade County, Montana, Chouteau County, Montana, Flathead County, Montana, Lewis and Clark County, Montana, and Pondera County, Montana. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Teton County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Montana guide: Montana Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP Prescribed GrazingCSP

Vegetation Baseline

0.21
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.36
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Teton County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.