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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About McHenry County
McHenry County lies in the Northern Black Glaciated Plains (MLRA 55A) region. Elevation averages about 1,541 feet.
McHenry County averages 18.0 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 40.3°F.
McHenry County's agricultural base centers on cattle, soybeans, and wheat. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 664 farms working 1,126,626 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 34,099 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Wheat, Corn, Dairy, Honey |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). 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 McHenry County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
705 Main St S, Towner, ND 58788
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 McHenry County
McHenry County reported 34,099 head of cattle across roughly 472,993 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows May green-up and a July growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for McHenry County.
Farm Structure in McHenry County
Irrigation covers about 1% of farmland in McHenry County, roughly 5,965 acres. Farms average 1,697 acres, with about 6% classed as small operations. Around 27% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in McHenry County
Given the operation mix in McHenry County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and brush management for rangeland. 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 McHenry County Operations
Based on McHenry County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Extensive wetland conservation programs take advantage of the abundant water features. Waterfowl habitat enhancement and flood damage reduction are key priorities.
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
Counties Bordering McHenry County
McHenry County shares borders with Bottineau County, North Dakota, McLean County, North Dakota, Pierce County, North Dakota, Renville County, North Dakota, Sheridan County, North Dakota, and Ward County, North Dakota. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in McHenry 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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