Dillon County, South Carolina: USDA programs and conservation funding

200
Farms & Ranches
111K
Acres in Agriculture
555
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$1.4M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Hogs, Soybeans, Corn, Cotton
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Dillon County, South Carolina has 200 farms working 111,091 agricultural acres (average 555 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $1.4 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Hogs, Soybeans. 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

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

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

Current Conditions

Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 12+ 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 Dillon County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

1212 Commerce Dr, Dillon, SC 29536

(843) 774-5122

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 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

  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 FencingCRPEQIP Water DevelopmentCSP

Vegetation Baseline

0.39
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.88
Peak season (Aug)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Dillon 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.