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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Stevens County
The growing season in Stevens County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 23.7 inches per year. January lows average around 21°F while July highs reach about 82°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 944 farms in Stevens County, operating across 465,282 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 493 acres. Top commodities include wheat, barley, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Washington |
| Top Commodities | Wheat, Vegetables, Barley, Horses, Hogs, Fruit & tree nuts |
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 Stevens County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
765 S. Main St., Colville, WA 99114
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 Stevens County
The forage year in Stevens County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 152,719 acres of pastureland and 14,761 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Stevens County
About 32% of Stevens County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 28% of farms are small and 8% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 493 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Stevens County
Stevens County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, wheat, and barley. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing, and for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Stevens County Operations
Based on Stevens County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Grazing management programs focus on forest health and wildlife habitat protection in timber country. Water development projects support livestock operations in remote mountain valleys and seasonal grazing areas.
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 Stevens County: Ferry County, Washington, Lincoln County, Washington, Pend Oreille County, Washington, and Spokane County, Washington. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Stevens County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Washington guide: Washington Farm Programs Guide
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