Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Toole County
Elevation across Toole County averages about 3,500 feet. The county falls within the Brown Glaciated Plains (MLRA 52) land resource region.
The growing season in Toole County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 12.8 inches per year. January lows average around 9°F while July highs reach about 82°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 383 farms in Toole County, operating across 1,191,112 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 3,110 acres. Top commodities include wheat, barley, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central Montana |
| Top Commodities | Wheat, Barley, Cattle & calves, Hogs, Poultry, Corn |
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 Toole County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1125 Oilfield Ave, Shelby, MT 59474
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 Toole County
The forage year in Toole County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 273,777 acres of pastureland and 5,614 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Toole County
About 25% of Toole County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 3% of farms are small and 39% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 3,110 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Toole County
With cattle and grain in the mix in Toole 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 Toole County Operations
Based on Toole County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus on soil health practices and wind erosion control in this high-wind area. Crop insurance and disaster assistance programs are heavily utilized due to variable precipitation patterns.
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 Toole County: Glacier County, Montana, Liberty County, Montana, and Pondera County, Montana. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Toole 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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