Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
The Black Hills extend into the county creating forested uplands, while the Belle Fourche River valley provides agricultural bottomland. Devils Tower rises as an iconic geological landmark above surrounding ranchland.
Cattle ranching utilizes both mountain summer range and valley winter pastures in traditional seasonal grazing systems. Limited crop production focuses on hay and small grains in valley areas with irrigation potential.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Wyoming |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Sheep, Wheat, Horses, Goats, Barley |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 18+ 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 Crook County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
117 S 21st, Sundance, WY 82729
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.
Farm Structure in Crook County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Crook County at an average farm size of 2,741 acres, 8% small operations, 28% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 12,277 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Crook County
Given the operation mix in Crook County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and brush management for rangeland. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Crook County Operations
Based on Crook County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Forest-grassland transition zones receive conservation attention for grazing management and fire prevention. Programs support traditional ranch operations maintaining seasonal grazing patterns.
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 Crook County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Carter County, Montana, Powder River County, Montana, Butte County, South Dakota, Lawrence County, South Dakota, Campbell County, Wyoming, and Weston County, Wyoming. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Crook County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Wyoming guide: Wyoming Farm Programs Guide
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