King and Queen County, Virginia: USDA programs and conservation funding

110
Farms & Ranches
50K
Acres in Agriculture
455
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$276K
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Soybeans, Cattle, Field Crops, Other
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

King and Queen County, Virginia has 110 farms working 50,027 agricultural acres (average 455 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $0.3 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Soybeans. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

Programs likely to fit King and Queen County operations

With 110 farms averaging 455 acres, a grain and corn commodity base, vegetation peaking near Jul at 0.90 NDVI, these are the federal programs most worth a closer look. Every program is competitive — confirm fit with your local USDA office.

← Virginia Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About King and Queen County

King and Queen County averages 46.9 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 334 days. Annual mean temperature is 58.4°F.

King and Queen County's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and cattle. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 110 farms working 50,027 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 353 head.

Quick Facts
RegionMiddle Peninsula
Top CommoditiesCorn, Soybeans, Vegetables, Cattle & calves, Hogs, Goats

Current Conditions

Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.

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 King and Queen County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

772 Richmond Beach Rd, Tappahannock, VA 22560

(804) 443-3571

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 King and Queen County

King and Queen County reported 353 head of cattle across roughly 1,422 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a July growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for King and Queen County.

Farm Structure in King and Queen County

Irrigation covers about 3% of farmland in King and Queen County, roughly 1,433 acres. Farms average 455 acres, with about 19% classed as small operations. Around 14% of operators are 65 or older.

What Tends to Fit in King and Queen County

King and Queen County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, corn, and soybeans. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.

Programs for King and Queen County Operations

Based on King and Queen County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Conservation programs emphasize protecting Chesapeake Bay tributaries through nutrient management and riparian forest buffers. Sustainable farming practices focus on maintaining soil health and water quality in this sensitive tidal watershed.

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

Counties Bordering King and Queen County

King and Queen County shares borders with Caroline County, Virginia, Essex County, Virginia, Gloucester County, Virginia, James City County, Virginia, King William County, Virginia, and Middlesex County, Virginia. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.

Your Next Steps in King and Queen 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

EQIP FencingCRPEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water DevelopmentEQIP Brush Management

Vegetation Baseline

0.67
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.90
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for King and Queen 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.