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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Steele County
Steele County is part of the Central Black Glaciated Plains land resource region (MLRA 55B). The county's mean elevation is about 1,247 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Steele County sees 21.8 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 39.9°F mean annual temperature.
Steele County carries 1,559 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 9,387 acres. 293 farms operate in the county, averaging 1,311 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Wheat, Barley |
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 Steele County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
101 Industrial Dr, Finley, ND 58230
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 Steele County Operations
Based on Steele County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Sheyenne River riparian areas receive conservation priority for buffer establishment and water quality protection. Precision agriculture adoption is supported through technical assistance for variable rate application and soil health monitoring.
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 Steele County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Barnes County, North Dakota, Cass County, North Dakota, Grand Forks County, North Dakota, Griggs County, North Dakota, Nelson County, North Dakota, and Traill County, North Dakota. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Steele 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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