Augusta County, Virginia: USDA programs and conservation funding

1,460
Farms & Ranches
244K
Acres in Agriculture
167
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$46.4M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Milk, Grain, Corn, Field Crops, Other
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Augusta County, Virginia has 1,460 farms working 243,974 agricultural acres (average 167 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $46.4 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Milk, Grain. Vegetation typically peaks in Jun, defining the primary growing season.

← Virginia Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Augusta County

Temperatures in Augusta County range from a January mean low of 24°F to a July mean high near 84°F. Annual precipitation averages 43.4 inches. Expect about 275 frost-free days.

Augusta County ran 1,460 farms, 243,974 acres of farmland, and 37,862 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, milk, and corn.


Quick Facts

RegionShenandoah Valley
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Cattle & calves, Dairy, Corn, Soybeans, Floriculture

Current Conditions

Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 16+ 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 Augusta County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

70 Dick Huff Ln, Verona, VA 24482

(540) 248-6218

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 Augusta County Operations

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

Nutrient management is critical for large poultry and dairy operations to protect the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Conservation programs emphasize precision agriculture techniques and manure management systems for intensive livestock operations.

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

Bordering Counties

If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Albemarle County, Virginia, Bath County, Virginia, Highland County, Virginia, Nelson County, Virginia, Rockbridge County, Virginia, and Rockingham County, Virginia. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Augusta County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Virginia guide: Virginia Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.66
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.83
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Augusta 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.