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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Mercer County
Elevation across Mercer County averages about 1,875 feet. The county falls within the Rolling Soft Shale Plain (MLRA 54) land resource region.
The growing season in Mercer County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 17.3 inches per year. January lows average around 3°F while July highs reach about 83°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 296 farms in Mercer County, operating across 451,663 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,526 acres. Top commodities include cattle, wheat, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | West Central |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Wheat, Corn, Barley, Soybeans, 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 Mercer County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1400 Hwy 49 N Ste 101, Beulah, ND 58523
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 Mercer County Operations
Based on Mercer County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Knife River watershed protection receives focus through riparian buffer establishment and erosion control practices. Irrigation system improvements are supported to enhance crop production efficiency near Lake Sakakawea.
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 Mercer County: Dunn County, North Dakota, McLean County, North Dakota, Morton County, North Dakota, Oliver County, North Dakota, and Stark County, North Dakota. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Mercer 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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