← Virginia Farm Programs Guide
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: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 14+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 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.
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
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.