Hanover County, Virginia: USDA programs and conservation funding

512
Farms & Ranches
92K
Acres in Agriculture
179
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$2.1M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Field Crops, Other
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Hanover County, Virginia has 512 farms working 91,864 agricultural acres (average 179 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $2.1 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Soybeans. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, 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 Hanover County

The growing season in Hanover County spans roughly 334 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 45.8 inches per year. January lows average around 27°F while July highs reach about 89°F.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 512 farms in Hanover County, operating across 91,864 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 179 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and wheat.


Quick Facts

RegionCentral Virginia
Top CommoditiesCorn, Soybeans, Poultry, Vegetables, Floriculture, Wheat

Current Conditions

Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).

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 Hanover County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

13224 Hanover Courthouse Rd, Hanover, VA 23069

(804) 537-5225

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 Hanover County Operations

Based on Hanover County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Conservation programs emphasize protecting Chesapeake Bay tributaries through nutrient management and cover crop adoption. Practices focus on maintaining agricultural viability while managing development pressure in this rapidly growing region.

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 Hanover County: Caroline County, Virginia, Goochland County, Virginia, Henrico County, Virginia, King William County, Virginia, Louisa County, Virginia, and New Kent County, Virginia. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.

Your Next Steps in Hanover 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

CSP

Vegetation Baseline

0.63
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.77
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Hanover 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.