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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Davidson County
Davidson County lies in the Southern Piedmont (MLRA 136) region. Elevation averages about 724 feet.
Davidson County averages 45.0 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 59.2°F.
Davidson County's agricultural base centers on soybeans, corn, and cattle. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 847 farms working 73,655 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 3,387 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Piedmont |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Soybeans, Corn, Cattle & calves, Floriculture, Fruit & tree nuts |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Davidson County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
301 E Center St, Lexington, NC 27292
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 Davidson County
Davidson County reported 3,387 head of cattle across roughly 10,394 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a April growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Davidson County.
Farm Structure in Davidson County
Irrigation covers about 1% of farmland in Davidson County, roughly 450 acres. Farms average 87 acres, with about 41% classed as small operations. Around 25% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Davidson County
Given the operation mix in Davidson 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 Davidson County Operations
Based on Davidson County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation efforts focus on pasture management and soil erosion control on rolling terrain. Support emphasizes livestock facility improvements and sustainable crop rotation systems.
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
Counties Bordering Davidson County
Davidson County shares borders with Davie County, North Carolina, Forsyth County, North Carolina, Guilford County, North Carolina, Montgomery County, North Carolina, Randolph County, North Carolina, and Rowan County, North Carolina. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Davidson County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the North Carolina guide: North Carolina Farm Programs Guide
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