← Virginia Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Dickenson County
Temperatures in Dickenson County range from a January mean low of 25°F to a July mean high near 83°F. Annual precipitation averages 46.8 inches. Expect about 306 frost-free days.
Dickenson County ran 108 farms, 10,617 acres of farmland, and 377 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, sheep, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Virginia |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Sheep, Poultry, Horses, Vegetables |
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 Dickenson County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
140 Highland Dr, Lebanon, VA 24266
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 Dickenson County Operations
Based on Dickenson County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs focus on pasture improvement and erosion control on steep slopes typical of Appalachian farming. Conservation practices emphasize sustainable grazing systems and water quality protection in this mountainous 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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Pike County, Kentucky, Buchanan County, Virginia, Russell County, Virginia, and Wise County, Virginia. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Dickenson County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Virginia guide: Virginia Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.