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Fenced fields in winter with snowy mountains in the distance, Pondera County, Montana

Pondera County

Pondera County in northcentral Montana varies from the high plains in the eastern portion of the county to foothills and foot slopes of the Rocky Mountains in the West. The Marias River forms a section of the northern county border. Other watersheds include the Two Medicine Watershed, Milk River Watershed, and Birch Creek Watershed. A portion of the Blackfeet Reservation lies within the northwestern part of Pondera County. The highest populated town in the county is Conrad, the county seat.

Climate factors affecting agriculture vary widely: mean annual precipitation ranges from 10-20 inches, elevation ranges from 3000 to 6000 feet, and the growing season is 60 to 110 days. Typical perennial crops grown are alfalfa or sainfoin for seed or hay production. Annual crops are winter wheat, spring wheat, barley, peas, lentils, camelina, canola, and some flax. Commercial and registered cattle herds are abundant with a few sheep producers. The NRCS office, located in Conrad, offers voluntary technical and financial assistance to private landowners interested in natural resource conservation based on a focused approach using long range planning with local input.

 

Current Financial Assistance Opportunities for Landowners​ in Pondera Counties

In addition to these local projects, producers may also apply for statewide programs such as the Conservation Stewardship Program, national Environmental Quality Incentives Program initiatives, and conservation easement programs. For more information on these and other programs, see State Programs and Initiatives on the NRCS Montana webpage.

Pondera County Long Range Plan

NRCS in Montana uses a Focused Conservation strategy to address priority natural resource concerns across the state using Targeted Implementation Plans. It all begins with a long range plan. Each local NRCS field office develops a long range plan with input from landowners, partners, land managers, and others to identify and prioritize natural resource concerns in the county. Based on those plans, NRCS works with stakeholders to determine what conservation practices will be needed to address the resource concerns. Long range plans are updated to reflect the changing needs and objectives of the county’s natural resources.

Pondera County Long Range Plan 2019 (818.24 KB)

Find Your Local Service Center

USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs. Enter your state and county below to find your local service center and agency offices.

Additional Information

Montana Local Working Groups

Every year, county Conservation Districts and the NRCS host local working group meetings where farmers, landowners, conservation partners, and other stakeholders in the community discuss the natural resource needs for the county. Based on this feedback, NRCS updates the county’s long-range plan and develops new Targeted Implementation Plans to address those resource concerns.

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What's Available in My Montana County?

Current local financial assistance opportunities in Montana, listed by county. In addition to the local opportunities, producers may also apply for statewide and national programs.

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Montana Programs and Application Dates

Program applications are accepted on a continual basis, however, NRCS establishes application dates for evaluation, ranking and approval of eligible applications. Applications received after the date will be automatically deferred to the next funding period.

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