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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Richland County
Elevation across Richland County averages about 260 feet. The county falls within the Carolina and Georgia Sand Hills (MLRA 137) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 45.5 inches per year. January lows average around 34°F while July highs reach about 92°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 340 farms in Richland County, operating across 76,011 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 224 acres. Top commodities include corn, cotton, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Midlands |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Cotton, Soybeans, Wheat |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Richland County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
Engineering Rd & Essayons Rd Bldg 2563, Columbia, SC 29207
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
904 F R Huff Dr, St Matthews, SC 29135
This county also has 1 additional NRCS office. View all offices
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 Richland County Operations
Based on Richland County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Urban agriculture programs support farmers operating near Columbia with direct marketing and value-added production strategies. Farmland preservation initiatives help maintain agricultural operations despite ongoing development pressure throughout the metropolitan area.
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 Richland County: Calhoun County, South Carolina, Fairfield County, South Carolina, Kershaw County, South Carolina, Lexington County, South Carolina, Newberry County, South Carolina, and Sumter County, South Carolina. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Richland 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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