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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Benson County
Benson County lies in the Northern Black Glaciated Plains (MLRA 55A) region. Elevation averages about 1,598 feet.
Benson County averages 18.9 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 39.3°F.
Benson County's agricultural base centers on soybeans, wheat, and corn. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 369 farms working 640,303 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 7,752 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Wheat, Corn, Barley, Cattle & calves, Bison |
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 Benson County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
210 Main St E, Minnewaukan, ND 58351
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 Benson County
Benson County reported 7,752 head of cattle across roughly 109,025 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows June green-up and a July growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Benson County.
Farm Structure in Benson County
Benson County reports about 1,158 acres under irrigation. Farms average 1,735 acres, with about 5% classed as small operations. Around 27% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Benson County
With corn and soybeans in the mix in Benson County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground). 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 Benson County Operations
Based on Benson County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Water management and flooding issues drive conservation priorities. CREP enrollment is significant around Devils Lake for flood damage reduction.
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 Benson County
Benson County shares borders with Eddy County, North Dakota, Nelson County, North Dakota, Pierce County, North Dakota, Ramsey County, North Dakota, Towner County, North Dakota, and Wells County, North 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 Benson County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the North Dakota guide: North Dakota Farm Programs Guide
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