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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Charles City County
Charles City County is part of the Southern Coastal Plain land resource region (MLRA 133A).
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Charles City County sees 48.0 in of rain, a 59.6°F mean annual temperature.
Charles City County carries 91 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 2,390 acres. 84 farms operate in the county, averaging 400 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Tidewater |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Floriculture, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Charles City County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2502 New Kent Hwy, Quinton, VA 23141
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 Charles City County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Charles City County greening up around May and peaking in August. The county carries about 2,390 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 Charles City County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Charles City County at an average farm size of 400 acres, 18% small operations, 20% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 1,962 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 Charles City County
Given the operation mix in Charles City 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 brush management for rangeland. 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 Charles City County Operations
Based on Charles City County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Precision agriculture and nutrient management are priorities for intensive crop production near sensitive river systems. Wetland conservation programs protect important habitat areas between the James and Chickahominy Rivers.
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 Charles City County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Chesterfield County, Virginia, Henrico County, Virginia, James City County, Virginia, New Kent County, Virginia, Prince George County, Virginia, and Surry County, Virginia. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Charles City 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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