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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Griggs County
Elevation across Griggs County averages about 1,461 feet. The county falls within the Central Black Glaciated Plains (MLRA 55B) land resource region.
The growing season in Griggs County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 21.0 inches per year. January lows average around -2°F while July highs reach about 80°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 347 farms in Griggs County, operating across 386,215 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,113 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, corn, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Central |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Wheat, Cattle & calves, Barley, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 5+ 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 Griggs County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
805 Lenham Ave SW, Cooperstown, ND 58425
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 Griggs County
The forage year in Griggs County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 63,029 acres of pastureland and 9,820 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Griggs County
About 24% of Griggs County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 4% of farms are small and 23% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 1,113 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Griggs County
Griggs 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 Griggs County Operations
Based on Griggs County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Wetland and water quality conservation programs are emphasized given the Sheyenne River location. Precision agriculture practices help optimize production on variable soils.
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 Griggs County: Barnes County, North Dakota, Eddy County, North Dakota, Foster County, North Dakota, Nelson County, North Dakota, Steele County, North Dakota, and Stutsman County, North Dakota. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Griggs 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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