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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About McIntosh County
McIntosh County is part of the Central Dark Brown Glaciated Plains land resource region (MLRA 53B). The county's mean elevation is about 1,986 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, McIntosh County sees 20.8 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 41.4°F mean annual temperature.
McIntosh County carries 16,094 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 145,618 acres. 291 farms operate in the county, averaging 1,570 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Honey, Barley |
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 McIntosh County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
118 E Main St, Ashley, ND 58413
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 McIntosh County Operations
Based on McIntosh County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation Reserve Program enrollment is significant due to numerous wetlands and marginal soils. EQIP funding supports grassland management and livestock water systems for ranch operations.
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 McIntosh County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Dickey County, North Dakota, Emmons County, North Dakota, LaMoure County, North Dakota, Logan County, North Dakota, Campbell County, South Dakota, and McPherson County, South Dakota. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in McIntosh 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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