← South Carolina Farm Programs Guide
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: Severe Drought (D2).
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-10-06
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.
Forage and Grazing in Calhoun County
The forage year in Calhoun County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 4,789 acres of pastureland and 1,468 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Calhoun County
About 40% of Calhoun County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 24% of farms are small and 18% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 378 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Calhoun County
With corn and soybeans in the mix in Calhoun County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
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
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.