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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Richland County
Richland County is part of the Glacial Lake Agassiz, Red River Valley land resource region (MLRA 56A). The county's mean elevation is about 989 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Richland County sees 24.2 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 42.8°F mean annual temperature.
Richland County carries 6,311 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 31,671 acres. 894 farms operate in the county, averaging 890 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cattle & calves, Barley, Honey |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 6+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Richland County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1687 Bypass Rd, Wahpeton, ND 58075
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 Richland County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Richland County greening up around June and peaking in July. The county carries about 31,671 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Richland County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Richland County at an average farm size of 890 acres, 11% small operations, 23% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 6,118 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Richland County
Given the operation mix in Richland 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 Richland County Operations
Based on Richland County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Red River valley soil and water conservation emphasizes drainage management and erosion control in intensive row crop systems. Precision agriculture adoption is supported through technical assistance for nutrient and pest management optimization.
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 Richland County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Clay County, Minnesota, Traverse County, Minnesota, Wilkin County, Minnesota, Cass County, North Dakota, Ransom County, North Dakota, and Sargent County, North Dakota. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Richland 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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