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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Grand Forks County
Elevation across Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 21.8 inches per year. January lows average around -2°F while July highs reach about 81°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 956 farms in Grand Forks County, operating across 761,755 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 797 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, corn, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Wheat, Vegetables, Hogs, 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 Grand Forks County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
4775 Technology Cir, Grand Forks, ND 58203
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 Grand Forks County
The forage year in Grand Forks County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 20,791 acres of pastureland and 1,829 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Grand Forks County
About 26% of Grand Forks County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 10% of farms are small and 18% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 797 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Grand Forks County
Given the operation mix in Grand Forks County, the practices that most often come up are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Grand Forks County Operations
Based on Grand Forks County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Drainage management and nutrient management plans are key program components. Water quality protection focuses on preventing runoff to the Red River.
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 Grand Forks County: Marshall County, Minnesota, Polk County, Minnesota, Nelson County, North Dakota, Steele County, North Dakota, Traill County, North Dakota, and Walsh County, North Dakota. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Grand Forks 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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