Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Valley County
Elevation across Valley County averages about 2,387 feet. The county falls within the Brown Glaciated Plains (MLRA 52) land resource region.
The growing season in Valley County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 13.8 inches per year. January lows average around 3°F while July highs reach about 84°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 508 farms in Valley County, operating across 1,696,229 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 3,339 acres. Top commodities include wheat and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Montana |
| Top Commodities | Wheat, Cattle & calves, Corn, Barley, Horses, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Valley County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
54059 Us Highway 2 W, Glasgow, MT 59230
This county also has 1 additional NRCS office. View all offices
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 Valley County Operations
Based on Valley County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Soil conservation and wildlife habitat programs are emphasized in areas with marginal soils and wetland complexes. No-till and cover crop adoption is promoted to improve water retention in this semi-arid region.
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 Valley County: Daniels County, Montana, Garfield County, Montana, McCone County, Montana, Phillips County, Montana, and Roosevelt County, Montana. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Valley 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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