Williams County, North Dakota: USDA programs and conservation funding

539
Farms & Ranches
1.1M
Acres in Agriculture
2,067
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$14.4M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Wheat, Grain, Cattle, Soybeans
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Williams County, North Dakota has 539 farms working 1,114,295 agricultural acres (average 2,067 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $14.4 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Wheat, Grain. Vegetation typically peaks in Jun, defining the primary growing season.

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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

Regionnorthwestern North Dakota
Top CommoditiesWheat, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Barley, Corn, Honey

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 Williams County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

1106 West 2nd St, Williston, ND 58801

(701) 572-6729

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 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

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the North Dakota guide: North Dakota Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.26
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.67
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Williams County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.