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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Buchanan County
The growing season in Buchanan County spans roughly 306 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 47.4 inches per year. January lows average around 25°F while July highs reach about 84°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 88 farms in Buchanan County, operating across 8,501 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 97 acres. Top commodities include cattle, sheep, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Appalachian Plateau |
| Top Commodities | Fruit & tree nuts, Cattle & calves, Sheep, Horses, Honey |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 Buchanan County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
140 Highland Dr, Lebanon, VA 24266
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.
Forage and Grazing in Buchanan County
The forage year in Buchanan County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 3,115 acres of pastureland and 196 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Buchanan County
About 31% of Buchanan County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 31% of farms are small and 2% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 97 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Buchanan County
Given the operation mix in Buchanan County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and pollinator habitat plantings for apiaries. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Buchanan County Operations
Based on Buchanan County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Limited programs focus on developing agriculture on reclaimed surface mine sites where possible. Steep slope management and erosion control are priorities for any agricultural development.
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 Buchanan County: Pike County, Kentucky, Dickenson County, Virginia, Russell County, Virginia, Tazewell County, Virginia, McDowell County, West Virginia, and Mingo County, West Virginia. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Buchanan 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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