Charles City County, Virginia: USDA programs and conservation funding

84
Farms & Ranches
34K
Acres in Agriculture
400
Avg Farm Size (acres)
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Soybeans, Sheep, Equine
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Charles City County, Virginia has 84 farms working 33,617 agricultural acres (average 400 acres per farm). Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Soybeans. Vegetation typically peaks in Aug, 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 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

RegionTidewater
Top CommoditiesCorn, Soybeans, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Floriculture, Sheep

Current Conditions

Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.

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 Charles City County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

2502 New Kent Hwy, Quinton, VA 23141

(804) 932-8086

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 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

  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 FencingCRPEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.67
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.84
Peak season (Aug)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Charles City 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.