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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Cass County
Elevation across Cass County averages about 947 feet. The county falls within the Glacial Lake Agassiz, Red River Valley (MLRA 56A) land resource region.
The growing season in Cass County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 22.8 inches per year. January lows average around 0°F while July highs reach about 82°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 801 farms in Cass County, operating across 941,171 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,175 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Honey, Barley, Cattle & calves |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 6+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Cass County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1665 43rd Street South, Fargo, ND 58103
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 Cass County
The forage year in Cass County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in August (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 17,959 acres of pastureland and 2,428 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Cass County
About 21% of Cass County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 14% of farms are small and 28% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 1,175 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Cass County
Cass County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, corn, and soybeans. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Cass County Operations
Based on Cass County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Drainage management and precision agriculture are key program focuses. Conservation practices emphasize nutrient management and soil health on intensively farmed land.
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 Cass County: Clay County, Minnesota, Norman County, Minnesota, Barnes County, North Dakota, Ransom County, North Dakota, Richland County, North Dakota, and Steele County, North Dakota. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Cass 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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