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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Nottoway County
The growing season in Nottoway County spans roughly 334 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 45.7 inches per year. January lows average around 27°F while July highs reach about 88°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 303 farms in Nottoway County, operating across 58,567 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 193 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, corn, and goats.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southside Virginia |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Soybeans, Corn, Fruit & tree nuts, Vegetables, 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 Nottoway County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
100 Dominion Dr, Farmville, VA 23901
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 Nottoway County
The forage year in Nottoway County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 11,388 acres of pastureland and 3,937 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Nottoway County
About 29% of Nottoway County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 19% of farms are small and 4% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 193 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Nottoway County
Given the operation mix in Nottoway 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 Nottoway County Operations
Based on Nottoway County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP assists with crop diversification efforts and modernization of tobacco production facilities. CRP enrollment targets environmentally sensitive areas for forest establishment and wildlife habitat creation.
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 Nottoway County: Amelia County, Virginia, Brunswick County, Virginia, Dinwiddie County, Virginia, Lunenburg County, Virginia, and Prince Edward County, Virginia. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Nottoway 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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