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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Foster County
Elevation across Foster County averages about 1,544 feet. The county falls within the Central Black Glaciated Plains (MLRA 55B) land resource region.
The growing season in Foster County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 19.6 inches per year. January lows average around -1°F while July highs reach about 81°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 235 farms in Foster County, operating across 362,426 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,542 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, corn, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Wheat, Cattle & calves, Honey, Barley |
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 Foster County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
6720 Highway 200, Carrington, ND 58421
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 Foster County
The forage year in Foster County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 41,615 acres of pastureland and 10,733 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Foster County
About 16% of Foster County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 7% of farms are small and 31% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 1,542 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Foster County
Foster County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, soybeans, 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 Foster County Operations
Based on Foster County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus on protecting the James River watershed and maintaining wetland functions. Soil health practices emphasize crop rotation diversity.
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 Foster County: Eddy County, North Dakota, Griggs County, North Dakota, Stutsman County, North Dakota, and Wells County, North Dakota. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Foster 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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