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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Henry County
The growing season in Henry County spans roughly 334 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 47.1 inches per year. January lows average around 27°F while July highs reach about 88°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 258 farms in Henry County, operating across 44,869 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 174 acres. Top commodities include tobacco, wheat, and hogs.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southside Virginia |
| Top Commodities | Tobacco, Vegetables, Floriculture, Fruit & tree nuts, Poultry, Wheat |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 35+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Henry County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1297 State St, Rocky Mount, VA 24151
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 Henry County
The forage year in Henry County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 8,350 acres of pastureland and 1,551 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Henry County
About 24% of Henry County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 25% of farms are small and 6% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 174 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Henry County
With grain and wheat in the mix in Henry County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); waste management and nutrient planning (confined livestock operations); and high tunnels, irrigation efficiency, and NAP coverage (specialty-crop acres). 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 Henry County Operations
Based on Henry County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs support sustainable tobacco production practices and encourage crop diversification for economic stability. Water quality protection focuses on the Smith River watershed through riparian buffers and erosion control measures.
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 Henry County: Rockingham County, North Carolina, Stokes County, North Carolina, Franklin County, Virginia, Patrick County, Virginia, and Pittsylvania County, Virginia. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Henry 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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