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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Craig County
The county falls within the Southern Appalachian Ridges and Valleys (MLRA 128) land resource region.
The growing season in Craig County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 44.0 inches per year. January lows average around 24°F while July highs reach about 83°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 186 farms in Craig County, operating across 45,890 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 247 acres. Top commodities include cattle, sheep, and hogs.
Quick Facts
| Region | Valley and Ridge |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Sheep, Hogs, Poultry, Honey |
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 Craig County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
36 Executive Cir, Bonsack, VA 24012
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 Craig County
The forage year in Craig County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in May (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 13,479 acres of pastureland and 4,031 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Craig County
About 28% of Craig County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 12% of farms are small and 8% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 247 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Craig County
With cattle and sheep in the mix in Craig 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 Craig County Operations
Based on Craig County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Mountain grazing management and livestock water system development are primary conservation focuses. Forest management practices are critical given the extensive woodland cover in steep mountain terrain.
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 Craig County: Alleghany County, Virginia, Botetourt County, Virginia, Giles County, Virginia, Montgomery County, Virginia, Roanoke County, Virginia, and Monroe County, West Virginia. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Craig 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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