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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
Rolling Piedmont hills and river valleys create diverse terrain across this central Virginia county. The James and Appomattox Rivers form portions of the county boundaries, with numerous smaller creeks draining the agricultural areas.
Traditional mixed farming continues with cattle operations, crop production, and some remaining tobacco acreage. Family farms often combine livestock and crops in integrated systems utilizing pastures, hay fields, and cultivated areas.
Quick Facts
| Region | Piedmont |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Horses, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Buckingham County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
16842 W James Anderson Hwy, Buckingham, VA 23921
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 Buckingham County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Buckingham County greening up around April and peaking in July. The county carries about 19,707 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Buckingham County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Buckingham County at an average farm size of 216 acres, 15% small operations, 28% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 79 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Buckingham County
With cattle and soybeans in the mix in Buckingham County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and waste management and nutrient planning (confined livestock operations). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Buckingham County Operations
Based on Buckingham County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Soil conservation on rolling terrain emphasizes no-till practices and contour farming to reduce erosion. Riparian buffer programs protect water quality in streams flowing to the James River system.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Buckingham County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Albemarle County, Virginia, Appomattox County, Virginia, Cumberland County, Virginia, Fluvanna County, Virginia, Nelson County, Virginia, and Prince Edward County, Virginia. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Buckingham 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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