Adams County, North Dakota: USDA programs and conservation funding

340
Farms & Ranches
593K
Acres in Agriculture
1,744
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$25.2M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Wheat, Grain, Cattle, Corn
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Adams County, North Dakota has 340 farms working 593,005 agricultural acres (average 1,744 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $25.2 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Wheat, Grain. 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 Adams County

Adams County lies in the Rolling Soft Shale Plain (MLRA 54) region. Elevation averages about 2,667 feet.

Adams County averages 15.9 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 42.9°F.

Adams County's agricultural base centers on wheat, cattle, and corn. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 340 farms working 593,005 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 16,800 head.


Quick Facts

RegionSouthwest
Top CommoditiesWheat, Cattle & calves, Corn, Honey, Soybeans, Sheep

Current Conditions

Drought status: None (None).

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 Adams County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

609 2nd Ave N, Hettinger, ND 58639

(701) 567-2462

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 Adams County Operations

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

Focus on soil health practices and wetland conservation in this semi-arid region. CRP enrollment is high due to marginal soils and conservation priorities.

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

Counties Bordering Adams County

Adams County shares borders with Bowman County, North Dakota, Grant County, North Dakota, Hettinger County, North Dakota, Sioux County, North Dakota, Slope County, North Dakota, and Corson County, South Dakota. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.

Your Next Steps in Adams County

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

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

Related program guides

CRPCSP

Vegetation Baseline

0.21
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.60
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Adams 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.