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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Rockingham County
Elevation across Rockingham County averages about 735 feet. The county falls within the Southern Piedmont (MLRA 136) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 45.7 inches per year. January lows average around 29°F while July highs reach about 89°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 769 farms in Rockingham County, operating across 109,295 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 142 acres. Top commodities include tobacco, soybeans, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Piedmont |
| Top Commodities | Tobacco, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Corn, Fruit & tree nuts, Wheat |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 14+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-04-14
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 Rockingham County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
209 N Graham Hopedale Rd, Burlington, NC 27217
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
525 Nc-65, Reidsville, NC 27320
This county also has 1 additional NRCS office. View all offices
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.
Programs for Rockingham County Operations
Based on Rockingham County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Tobacco buyout transition assistance helps farmers diversify into alternative enterprises. Soil conservation on sloping fields and riparian buffers along the Dan River are conservation priorities.
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 Rockingham County: Alamance County, North Carolina, Caswell County, North Carolina, Forsyth County, North Carolina, Guilford County, North Carolina, Stokes County, North Carolina, and Henry County, Virginia. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Rockingham 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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