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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Ramsey County
Elevation across Ramsey County averages about 1,477 feet. The county falls within the Northern Black Glaciated Plains (MLRA 55A) land resource region.
The growing season in Ramsey County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 20.1 inches per year. January lows average around -3°F while July highs reach about 79°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 512 farms in Ramsey County, operating across 618,109 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,207 acres. Top commodities include wheat, soybeans, and barley.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast |
| Top Commodities | Wheat, Soybeans, Barley, Corn, Honey, Sheep |
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 Ramsey County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
706 8th Ave., SE, Devils Lake, ND 58301
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 Ramsey County
The forage year in Ramsey County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 10,888 acres of pastureland and 1,084 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Ramsey County
About 21% of Ramsey County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 8% of farms are small and 24% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 1,207 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Ramsey County
Given the operation mix in Ramsey County, the practices that most often come up are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Ramsey County Operations
Based on Ramsey County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Emergency conservation practices help producers manage flooding and drainage issues related to Devils Lake level changes. CRP provides income stability for land affected by periodic flooding and wetness.
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 Ramsey County: Benson County, North Dakota, Cavalier County, North Dakota, Nelson County, North Dakota, Towner County, North Dakota, and Walsh County, North Dakota. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Ramsey 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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