Pierce County, North Dakota: USDA programs and conservation funding

350
Farms & Ranches
471K
Acres in Agriculture
1,346
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$12.3M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Wheat, Soybeans, Grain, Corn
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Pierce County, North Dakota has 350 farms working 471,211 agricultural acres (average 1,346 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $12.3 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Wheat, Soybeans. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, 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 Pierce County

Pierce County sits within the Northern Black Glaciated Plains (MLRA 55A) region. Elevation averages about 1,572 feet.

Temperatures in Pierce County range from a January mean low of -3°F to a July mean high near 80°F. Annual precipitation averages 18.5 inches. Expect about 184 frost-free days.

Pierce County ran 350 farms, 471,211 acres of farmland, and 7,549 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: wheat, soybeans, and corn.


Quick Facts

RegionNorth Central
Top CommoditiesWheat, Soybeans, Corn, Cattle & calves, Barley, 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 Pierce County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

126 2nd Ave SW Ste 103, Rugby, ND 58368

(701) 776-5821

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 Pierce County Operations

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

Prairie pothole wetland conservation receives priority through CRP and CREP enrollment providing wildlife habitat and water quality benefits. Precision agriculture techniques help producers manage variable field conditions around wetland areas.

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 Benson County, North Dakota, Bottineau County, North Dakota, McHenry County, North Dakota, Rolette County, North Dakota, Sheridan County, North Dakota, and Towner County, North Dakota. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Pierce 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

CRPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.20
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.74
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Pierce 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.