Chesterfield County, South Carolina: USDA programs and conservation funding

517
Farms & Ranches
118K
Acres in Agriculture
229
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$3.1M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Soybeans, Corn, Cotton, Cattle
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Chesterfield County, South Carolina has 517 farms working 118,286 agricultural acres (average 229 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $3.1 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Soybeans, Corn. Vegetation typically peaks in Aug, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Chesterfield County

Chesterfield County sits within the Carolina and Georgia Sand Hills (MLRA 137) region. Elevation averages about 280 feet.

Temperatures in Chesterfield County range from a January mean low of 32°F to a July mean high near 91°F. Annual precipitation averages 46.9 inches.

Chesterfield County ran 517 farms and 118,286 acres of farmland in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: soybeans, corn, and cotton.


Quick Facts

RegionPee Dee
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Soybeans, Corn, Cotton, Cattle & calves, Vegetables

Current Conditions

Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 13+ 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 Chesterfield County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

106 Scotch Rd, Chesterfield, SC 29709

(843) 623-2187

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 Chesterfield County Operations

Based on Chesterfield County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Conservation tillage and cover crop adoption receive program incentives for soil health improvement. Water quality protection in the Lynches River watershed emphasizes nutrient management.

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

Bordering Counties

If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Anson County, North Carolina, Richmond County, North Carolina, Union County, North Carolina, Darlington County, South Carolina, Kershaw County, South Carolina, and Lancaster County, South Carolina. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Chesterfield County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. 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.

Related program guides

EQIP FencingEQIP Water DevelopmentCSPCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.70
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.81
Peak season (Aug)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Chesterfield County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.