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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Calhoun County
Elevation across Calhoun County averages about 242 feet. The county falls within the Southern Coastal Plain (MLRA 133A) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 47.1 inches per year. January lows average around 35°F while July highs reach about 92°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 286 farms in Calhoun County, operating across 108,019 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 378 acres. Top commodities include cotton, corn, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Midlands |
| Top Commodities | Cotton, Poultry, Vegetables, Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Calhoun County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
904 F R Huff Dr, St Matthews, SC 29135
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 Calhoun County Operations
Based on Calhoun County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Floodplain management and erosion control along the Congaree River receive conservation emphasis. Riparian forest buffers help protect water quality and provide wildlife habitat.
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 Calhoun County: Clarendon County, South Carolina, Lexington County, South Carolina, Orangeburg County, South Carolina, Richland County, South Carolina, and Sumter County, South Carolina. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Calhoun County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the South Carolina guide: South Carolina Farm Programs Guide
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