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: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 29+ 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 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.
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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