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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About McKenzie County
Elevation across McKenzie County averages about 2,191 feet. The county falls within the Rolling Soft Shale Plain (MLRA 54) land resource region.
The growing season in McKenzie County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 15.9 inches per year. January lows average around 4°F while July highs reach about 84°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 576 farms in McKenzie County, operating across 1,359,174 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 2,360 acres. Top commodities include wheat, cattle, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwest |
| Top Commodities | Wheat, Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Barley, Horses |
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 McKenzie County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
109 5th St SW, Watford City, ND 58854
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 McKenzie County Operations
Based on McKenzie County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Little Missouri River watershed restoration projects receive priority funding through CREP for riparian buffers. Livestock forage programs help ranchers manage grazing during oil development disruptions.
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 McKenzie County: Richland County, Montana, Roosevelt County, Montana, Wibaux County, Montana, Billings County, North Dakota, Dunn County, North Dakota, and Golden Valley County, North Dakota. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in McKenzie 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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