← South Carolina Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
Flat coastal plain terrain with sandy soils and the Little Pee Dee River forming the eastern boundary. Scattered wetlands and pine forests break up the agricultural landscape throughout the county.
Row crop production dominates with tobacco, corn, and soybeans as the primary crops grown. Some cotton production and timber operations round out the agricultural economy in this rural county.
Quick Facts
| Region | Pee Dee |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Hogs, Soybeans, Corn, Cotton, Cattle & calves |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 33+ 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 Dillon County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1212 Commerce Dr, Dillon, SC 29536
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.
Farm Structure in Dillon County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Dillon County at an average farm size of 555 acres and about 6,447 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Dillon County
Given the operation mix in Dillon County, the practices that most often come up are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground, and waste management and nutrient planning for confined livestock operations. 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 Dillon County Operations
Based on Dillon County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Tobacco production efficiency and alternative crop diversification receive program support. Water management systems help optimize irrigation for row crop production on sandy soils.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Dillon County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Columbus County, North Carolina, Robeson County, North Carolina, Florence County, South Carolina, Horry County, South Carolina, Marion County, South Carolina, and Marlboro County, South Carolina. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Dillon 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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