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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Burleigh County
Burleigh County is part of the Central Dark Brown Glaciated Plains land resource region (MLRA 53B). The county's mean elevation is about 1,820 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Burleigh County sees 18.5 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 41.6°F mean annual temperature.
Burleigh County carries 34,281 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 362,186 acres. 709 farms operate in the county, averaging 1,103 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Wheat, Soybeans, Barley, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Burleigh County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
916 E Interstate Ave, Bismarck, ND 58503
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 Burleigh County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Burleigh County greening up around May and peaking in July. The county carries about 362,186 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Burleigh County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Burleigh County at an average farm size of 1,103 acres, 16% small operations, 21% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 5,740 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Burleigh County
Burleigh County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, cattle, and corn. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Burleigh County Operations
Based on Burleigh County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs focus on helping beginning farmers access land near urban areas. Conservation efforts emphasize water quality protection in the Missouri River watershed.
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 Burleigh County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Emmons County, North Dakota, Kidder County, North Dakota, McLean County, North Dakota, Morton County, North Dakota, Oliver County, North Dakota, and Sheridan County, North Dakota. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Burleigh 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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