← North Dakota Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Morton County
Morton County is part of the Rolling Soft Shale Plain land resource region (MLRA 54). The county's mean elevation is about 2,199 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Morton County sees 18.0 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 42.4°F mean annual temperature.
Morton County carries 31,682 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 624,352 acres. 688 farms operate in the county, averaging 1,786 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Wheat, Corn, Soybeans, Dairy, Honey |
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 Morton County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2540 Overlook Ln, Mandan, ND 58554
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 Morton County Operations
Based on Morton County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Heart River and Missouri River riparian areas receive conservation priority for water quality protection and wildlife habitat. Cover crop adoption is promoted through CSP to improve soil health in intensive row crop systems.
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 Morton County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Burleigh County, North Dakota, Emmons County, North Dakota, Grant County, North Dakota, Mercer County, North Dakota, Oliver County, North Dakota, and Sioux County, North Dakota. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Morton 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
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.