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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Chesterfield County
The growing season in Chesterfield County spans roughly 334 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 46.6 inches per year. January lows average around 28°F while July highs reach about 89°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 162 farms in Chesterfield County, operating across 19,686 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 122 acres. Top commodities include equine, soybeans, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | Richmond Metro |
| Top Commodities | Fruit & tree nuts, Vegetables, Horses, Soybeans, Corn, Cattle & calves |
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 Chesterfield County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
13915 Boydton Plank Rd, Dinwiddie, VA 23841
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
16351 Church St, Amelia Court House, VA 23002
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 Chesterfield County
The forage year in Chesterfield County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 1,655 acres of pastureland and 495 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Chesterfield County
About 31% of Chesterfield County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 42% of farms are small and 5% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 122 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Chesterfield County
Given the operation mix in Chesterfield County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations, and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground. 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 Chesterfield County Operations
Based on Chesterfield County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Urban edge farming programs help maintain agriculture amid development pressure through conservation easements and best management practices. Water quality protection is critical given proximity to major river systems and suburban 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 Chesterfield County: Amelia County, Virginia, Charles City County, Virginia, Dinwiddie County, Virginia, Goochland County, Virginia, Henrico County, Virginia, and Powhatan County, Virginia. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Chesterfield 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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