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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
Located between Richmond and the Chesapeake Bay in the coastal plain region, featuring relatively flat terrain with numerous creeks and the Chickahominy River flowing through the county. The landscape consists of mixed pine and hardwood forests interspersed with agricultural fields and growing suburban development.
Traditional coastal plain farming includes corn, soybean, and hay production on the fertile soils, with beef cattle operations utilizing improved pastures. Many farms have adapted to suburban growth pressure by offering agritourism, farmers markets, and pick-your-own operations.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Virginia |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Fruit & tree nuts, Wheat, Vegetables, Cattle & calves |
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 New Kent County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2502 New Kent Hwy, Quinton, VA 23141
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 New Kent County
New Kent County reported 89 head of cattle across roughly 1,557 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a May 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 New Kent County.
Farm Structure in New Kent County
Irrigation covers about 2% of farmland in New Kent County, roughly 487 acres. Farms average 192 acres, with about 47% classed as small operations. Around 28% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in New Kent County
Given the operation mix in New Kent County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and brush management for rangeland. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for New Kent County Operations
Based on New Kent County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP assists with drainage improvements in low-lying fields and nutrient management systems for crop production. CREP focuses on protecting water quality in the Chickahominy River watershed through streamside forest buffers.
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 New Kent County
New Kent County shares borders with Charles City County, Virginia, Hanover County, Virginia, Henrico County, Virginia, James City County, Virginia, King and Queen County, Virginia, and King William 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 New Kent 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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