← South Carolina Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
The county sits in the Sandhills region with rolling terrain, sandy soils, and numerous small streams feeding into the Wateree River. Lake Wateree forms the eastern boundary, created by a dam on the Wateree River.
Cotton, soybeans, and corn dominate crop production on the well-drained sandy soils typical of the Sandhills region. Peach orchards and vegetable production take advantage of the favorable drainage and climate conditions.
Quick Facts
| Region | Sandhills |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Soybeans, Horses, Wheat, Cattle & calves, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Kershaw County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1126 Little St, Camden, SC 29020
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 Kershaw County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Kershaw County at an average farm size of 175 acres and about 211 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 Kershaw County
Kershaw County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, soybeans, and equine. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing, and for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Kershaw County Operations
Based on Kershaw County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Irrigation efficiency programs help farmers manage water resources on sandy soils with low water-holding capacity. Specialty crop support focuses on peach production and diversified vegetable operations serving regional markets.
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 Kershaw County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Darlington County, South Carolina, Fairfield County, South Carolina, Lancaster County, South Carolina, Lee County, South Carolina, and Richland County, South Carolina. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Kershaw 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.