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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Stutsman County
Elevation across Stutsman County averages about 1,628 feet. The county falls within the Central Black Glaciated Plains (MLRA 55B) land resource region.
The growing season in Stutsman County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 20.4 inches per year. January lows average around 1°F while July highs reach about 81°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 829 farms in Stutsman County, operating across 1,201,132 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,449 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, corn, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Wheat, Cattle & calves, Dairy, Barley |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Stutsman County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1301 Business Loop E, Jamestown, ND 58401
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 Stutsman County
The forage year in Stutsman County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 195,390 acres of pastureland and 20,789 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Stutsman County
About 26% of Stutsman County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 6% of farms are small and 29% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 1,449 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Stutsman County
With cattle and corn in the mix in Stutsman County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and brush management (rangeland). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Stutsman County Operations
Based on Stutsman County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
James River watershed conservation emphasizes riparian buffers and grassland establishment for water quality improvement and flood management. Large county size requires coordinated conservation planning across diverse soil types and farming systems.
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 Stutsman County: Barnes County, North Dakota, Foster County, North Dakota, Griggs County, North Dakota, Kidder County, North Dakota, LaMoure County, North Dakota, and Logan County, North Dakota. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Stutsman 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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