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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Stark County
Stark County lies in the Rolling Soft Shale Plain (MLRA 54) region. Elevation averages about 2,524 feet.
Stark County averages 16.4 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 42.4°F.
Stark County's agricultural base centers on wheat, cattle, and corn. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 615 farms working 723,041 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 12,451 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest |
| Top Commodities | Wheat, Cattle & calves, Corn, Honey, Soybeans, Barley |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 5+ 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 Stark County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2493 4th Ave W Room B, Dickinson, ND 58601
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 Stark County
Stark County reported 12,451 head of cattle across roughly 225,502 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows May green-up and a June 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 Stark County.
Farm Structure in Stark County
Stark County reports about 35 acres under irrigation. Farms average 1,176 acres, with about 11% classed as small operations. Around 24% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Stark County
Stark County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, wheat, and grain. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Stark County Operations
Based on Stark County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Heart River watershed conservation focuses on riparian management and erosion control in agricultural areas through buffer establishment. Ranch and crop integration receives support for rotational grazing systems and soil health improvement practices.
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 Stark County
Stark County shares borders with Billings County, North Dakota, Dunn County, North Dakota, Grant County, North Dakota, Hettinger County, North Dakota, Mercer County, North Dakota, and Morton 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 Stark 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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