Orangeburg County, South Carolina: USDA programs and conservation funding

764
Farms & Ranches
230K
Acres in Agriculture
301
Avg Farm Size (acres)
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Cotton, Soybeans, Field Crops, Other
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Orangeburg County, South Carolina has 764 farms working 230,111 agricultural acres (average 301 acres per farm). Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Cotton. Vegetation typically peaks in Aug, defining the primary growing season.

← South Carolina Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Orangeburg County

Elevation across Orangeburg County averages about 180 feet. The county falls within the Southern Coastal Plain (MLRA 133A) land resource region.

Rainfall averages 47.9 inches per year. January lows average around 35°F while July highs reach about 92°F.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 764 farms in Orangeburg County, operating across 230,111 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 301 acres. Top commodities include corn, cotton, and soybeans.


Quick Facts

RegionCoastal Plain
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Corn, Cotton, Soybeans, Dairy, 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 Orangeburg County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

1550 Henley St, Orangeburg, SC 29115

(803) 534-2409

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 Orangeburg County Operations

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

Peach production support includes orchard renovation and pest management programs specific to stone fruit operations. Irrigation efficiency initiatives help farmers manage water resources effectively across diverse soil types and cropping systems.

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 Orangeburg County: Aiken County, South Carolina, Bamberg County, South Carolina, Barnwell County, South Carolina, Berkeley County, South Carolina, Calhoun County, South Carolina, and Clarendon County, South Carolina. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.

Your Next Steps in Orangeburg 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 Water DevelopmentCSPCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.64
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.80
Peak season (Aug)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Orangeburg 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.