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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Highland County
Temperatures in Highland County range from a January mean low of 20°F to a July mean high near 80°F. Annual precipitation averages 47.1 inches. Expect about 275 frost-free days.
Highland County ran 258 farms, 96,013 acres of farmland, and 4,706 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, sheep, and maple syrup.
Quick Facts
| Region | Shenandoah Valley |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Sheep, Fruit & tree nuts, Maple syrup |
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 Highland County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
70 Dick Huff Ln, Verona, VA 24482
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 Highland County Operations
Based on Highland County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs focus on supporting livestock operations adapted to extreme mountain conditions and harsh winters. Conservation practices emphasize managing mountain pastures and protecting water quality in sensitive high-elevation watersheds.
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 Augusta County, Virginia, Bath County, Virginia, Pendleton County, West Virginia, and Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Highland 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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