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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Williams County
Elevation across Williams County averages about 2,125 feet. The county falls within the Central Dark Brown Glaciated Plains (MLRA 53B) land resource region.
The growing season in Williams County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 15.4 inches per year. January lows average around 2°F while July highs reach about 82°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 539 farms in Williams County, operating across 1,114,295 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 2,067 acres. Top commodities include wheat, cattle, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | northwestern North Dakota |
| Top Commodities | Wheat, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Barley, Corn, Honey |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 4+ 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 Williams County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1106 West 2nd St, Williston, ND 58801
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 Williams County
The forage year in Williams County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 281,974 acres of pastureland and 4,815 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Williams County
About 26% of Williams County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 5% of farms are small and 36% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 2,067 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Williams County
Williams 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 Williams County Operations
Based on Williams County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
LFP provides crucial support for livestock producers facing drought conditions and limited forage availability common in this semi-arid region. EQIP contracts prioritize range management practices and water system development to improve grazing efficiency on the county's extensive grasslands.
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 Williams County: Richland County, Montana, Roosevelt County, Montana, Sheridan County, Montana, Burke County, North Dakota, Divide County, North Dakota, and McKenzie County, North Dakota. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Williams 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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