Oliver County, North Dakota: USDA programs and conservation funding

215
Farms & Ranches
420K
Acres in Agriculture
1,952
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$40.7M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Cattle, Wheat, Corn, Soybeans
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Oliver County, North Dakota has 215 farms working 419,606 agricultural acres (average 1,952 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $40.7 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Cattle, Wheat. Vegetation typically peaks in Jun, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Oliver County

Oliver County sits within the Rolling Soft Shale Plain (MLRA 54) region. Elevation averages about 2,113 feet.

Temperatures in Oliver County range from a January mean low of 3°F to a July mean high near 82°F. Annual precipitation averages 17.9 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.

Oliver County ran 215 farms, 419,606 acres of farmland, and 17,360 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, wheat, and corn.


Quick Facts

RegionWest Central
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Wheat, 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 Oliver County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

345 Center Ave S, Center, ND 58530

(701) 794-8725

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 Oliver County Operations

Based on Oliver County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Mine land reclamation incorporates agricultural uses with technical assistance for establishing productive grasslands and cropland. Lake Sakakawea proximity provides opportunities for irrigation development and livestock water 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

Bordering Counties

If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Burleigh County, North Dakota, McLean County, North Dakota, Mercer County, North Dakota, and Morton County, North Dakota. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Oliver County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. 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.

Related program guides

EQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.21
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.71
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Oliver County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.