Golden Valley County, North Dakota: USDA programs and conservation funding

249
Farms & Ranches
638K
Acres in Agriculture
2,563
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$21.4M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Cattle, Grain, Corn, Field Crops, Other
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Golden Valley County, North Dakota has 249 farms working 638,147 agricultural acres (average 2,563 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $21.4 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Cattle, 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 Golden Valley County

Golden Valley County is part of the Rolling Soft Shale Plain land resource region (MLRA 54). The county's mean elevation is about 2,833 feet.

Based on 1991–2020 normals, Golden Valley County sees 16.0 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 43.0°F mean annual temperature.

Golden Valley County carries 14,866 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 430,880 acres. 249 farms operate in the county, averaging 2,563 acres each.


Quick Facts

RegionSouthwest
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Corn, Sheep, Hogs

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 Golden Valley County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

49 W Main St, Beach, ND 58621

(701) 872-4313

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 Golden Valley County Operations

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

Range improvement and erosion control dominate conservation efforts in this rugged landscape. Drought mitigation and winter feed assistance programs are crucial.

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 Golden Valley County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Fallon County, Montana, Wibaux County, Montana, Billings County, North Dakota, McKenzie County, North Dakota, and Slope County, North Dakota. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Golden Valley 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

EQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.26
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.53
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Golden Valley 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.