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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Clarke County
Clarke County is part of the Northern Appalachian Ridges and Valleys land resource region (MLRA 147).
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Clarke County sees 41.5 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 54.1°F mean annual temperature.
Clarke County carries 5,571 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 20,551 acres. 421 farms operate in the county, averaging 119 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northern Shenandoah Valley |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Horses, Corn, Soybeans, Fruit & tree nuts, Poultry |
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 Clarke County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
722 East Queen Street, Strasburg, VA 22657
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 Clarke County Operations
Based on Clarke County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs support sustainable viticulture practices and pasture management for horse operations. Water quality protection emphasizes nutrient management and riparian buffers along Shenandoah River tributaries.
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 Clarke County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Fauquier County, Virginia, Frederick County, Virginia, Loudoun County, Virginia, Warren County, Virginia, Berkeley County, West Virginia, and Jefferson County, West Virginia. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Clarke 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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