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Highland County, Virginia

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

High elevation Allegheny Mountains with narrow valleys and steep slopes, known as Virginia's Switzerland for its mountain scenery. The terrain features mountain meadows, steep hillsides, and creek valleys creating unique agricultural conditions at high elevation.

Mountain agriculture specializes in sheep and cattle production adapted to high elevation pastures and harsh winter conditions. The county is renowned for its lamb production and maintains traditional mountain farming practices suited to the challenging Allegheny Mountain environment.

Quick Facts
RegionShenandoah Valley
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Sheep, Fruit & tree nuts, Maple syrup
Farms & Ranches~210 (approx.)
Agricultural Land~96,000 acres
Average Farm Size~372 acres

Find Your Local USDA Offices

Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS and FSA under one roof.

Find your Service Center:

→ USDA Service Center Locator

Search for "Highland County" to find your local NRCS and FSA offices.

What to do when you call: Ask for a conservation planner (EQIP/CSP) or loan officer (FSA). Mention your operation type and planned improvements.

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 — 2 minutes, personalized action packet.

Local Conservation Priorities

EQIP applications addressing local priorities score higher in ranking.

We don't have Highland County's specific LWG priorities yet.

Ask your local NRCS office: "What are the priority resource concerns in Highland County?"

Your Next Steps in Highland 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

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