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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Bedford County
Temperatures in Bedford County range from a January mean low of 27°F to a July mean high near 87°F. Annual precipitation averages 46.4 inches. Expect about 334 frost-free days.
Bedford County ran 1,183 farms, 183,200 acres of farmland, and 13,765 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, corn, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Piedmont |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Fruit & tree nuts, Horses, Floriculture, Wheat |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 14+ 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 Bedford County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1031 Turnpike Rd, Bedford, VA 24523
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 Bedford County Operations
Based on Bedford County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Grazing management across diverse terrain from valleys to slopes is a major focus of conservation programs. Water quality protection emphasizes riparian buffers and nutrient management for operations near Smith Mountain Lake and the James River.
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 Amherst County, Virginia, Botetourt County, Virginia, Campbell County, Virginia, Franklin County, Virginia, Pittsylvania County, Virginia, and Roanoke County, Virginia. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Bedford County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Virginia guide: Virginia Farm Programs Guide
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