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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About McLean County
McLean County is part of the Central Dark Brown Glaciated Plains land resource region (MLRA 53B). The county's mean elevation is about 1,917 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, McLean County sees 17.7 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 41.4°F mean annual temperature.
McLean County carries 13,755 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 231,810 acres. 742 farms operate in the county, averaging 1,414 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | West Central |
| Top Commodities | Wheat, Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, 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 McLean County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
140 5th Ave SW, Garrison, ND 58540
This county also has 1 additional NRCS office. View all offices
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 McLean County Operations
Based on McLean County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation Stewardship Program promotes cover cropping and no-till practices in intensive grain production areas. Mine land reclamation projects incorporate agricultural restoration with EQIP technical assistance.
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 McLean County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Burleigh County, North Dakota, Dunn County, North Dakota, McHenry County, North Dakota, Mercer County, North Dakota, Mountrail County, North Dakota, and Oliver County, North Dakota. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in McLean 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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