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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Forsyth County
Elevation across Forsyth County averages about 943 feet. The county falls within the Southern Piedmont (MLRA 136) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 45.0 inches per year. January lows average around 29°F while July highs reach about 88°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 482 farms in Forsyth County, operating across 32,956 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 68 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, tobacco, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | Piedmont |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Floriculture, Tobacco, Corn, Vegetables, Wheat |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 35+ 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 Forsyth County.
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
1450 Fairchild Dr, Winston Salem, NC 27105
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 Forsyth County
The forage year in Forsyth County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in May (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 3,898 acres of pastureland and 935 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Forsyth County
About 28% of Forsyth County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 53% of farms are small and 1% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 68 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Forsyth County
Given the operation mix in Forsyth County, the practices that most often come up are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground, and high tunnels, irrigation efficiency, and NAP coverage for specialty-crop acres. 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 Forsyth County Operations
Based on Forsyth County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Urban-adjacent agriculture programs support local food systems and sustainable farming practices near metropolitan areas. Assistance emphasizes small farm viability and direct marketing opportunities.
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 Forsyth County: Davidson County, North Carolina, Davie County, North Carolina, Guilford County, North Carolina, Rockingham County, North Carolina, Stokes County, North Carolina, and Surry County, North Carolina. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Forsyth 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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