Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Wheatland County
Wheatland County is part of the Northern and Central Rocky Mountain Foothills land resource region (MLRA 46). The county's mean elevation is about 4,492 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Wheatland County sees 16.2 in of rain, a 184-day growing season, a 43.0°F mean annual temperature.
Wheatland County carries 16,479 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 557,776 acres. 119 farms operate in the county, averaging 5,695 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Montana |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Hogs, Wheat, Barley, Sheep, Vegetables |
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 Wheatland County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
809 2nd Ave NW, Harlowton, MT 59036
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 Wheatland County Operations
Based on Wheatland County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Precision agriculture and variable rate technology adoption is high among the large wheat operations. Conservation tillage practices are widely promoted to maintain soil health and reduce erosion on sloping ground.
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 Wheatland County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Fergus County, Montana, Golden Valley County, Montana, Judith Basin County, Montana, Meagher County, Montana, and Sweet Grass County, Montana. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Wheatland County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Montana guide: Montana Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.