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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Patrick County
Patrick County averages 51.7 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 334 days. Annual mean temperature is 55.7°F.
Patrick County's agricultural base centers on cattle, milk, and corn. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 452 farms working 70,893 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 5,028 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Virginia |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Floriculture, Vegetables, Dairy |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 35+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Patrick County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
135 Stonewall Court, Stuart, VA 24171
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 Patrick County
Patrick County reported 5,028 head of cattle across roughly 16,467 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a June 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 Patrick County.
Farm Structure in Patrick County
Patrick County reports about 97 acres under irrigation. Farms average 157 acres, with about 23% classed as small operations. Around 25% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Patrick County
Patrick County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, grain, and milk. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for dairies, waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage; and for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Patrick County Operations
Based on Patrick County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP supports erosion control on steep tobacco fields and pasture improvements in valley locations. CRP enrollment focuses on highly erodible hillside cropland conversion to forest cover and wildlife habitat establishment.
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 Patrick County
Patrick County shares borders with Stokes County, North Carolina, Surry County, North Carolina, Carroll County, Virginia, Floyd County, Virginia, Franklin County, Virginia, and Henry 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 Patrick 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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