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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Pembina County
Pembina County lies in the Glacial Lake Agassiz, Red River Valley (MLRA 56A) region. Elevation averages about 856 feet.
Pembina County averages 21.4 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 39.3°F.
Pembina County's agricultural base centers on wheat, soybeans, and corn. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 482 farms working 616,835 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 3,376 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast |
| Top Commodities | Wheat, Vegetables, Soybeans, Corn, Cattle & calves, Barley |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
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 Pembina County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
600 Division Ave S, Cavalier, ND 58220
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.
Forage and Grazing in Pembina County
Pembina County reported 3,376 head of cattle across roughly 9,556 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows June green-up and a July growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Pembina County.
Farm Structure in Pembina County
Irrigation covers about 1% of farmland in Pembina County, roughly 3,539 acres. Farms average 1,280 acres, with about 7% classed as small operations. Around 23% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Pembina County
With corn and soybeans in the mix in Pembina County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Pembina County Operations
Based on Pembina County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Sugar beet and potato production requires specialized conservation practices for soil and water management including precision agriculture technologies. Beginning farmer programs support transition into high-investment specialty crop operations.
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
Counties Bordering Pembina County
Pembina County shares borders with Kittson County, Minnesota, Marshall County, Minnesota, Cavalier County, North Dakota, and Walsh County, North Dakota. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Pembina 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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