Powhatan County, Virginia: USDA programs and conservation funding

260
Farms & Ranches
33K
Acres in Agriculture
127
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$1.8M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Cattle, Soybeans, Field Crops, Other
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Powhatan County, Virginia has 260 farms working 33,100 agricultural acres (average 127 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $1.8 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Cattle. Vegetation typically peaks in Aug, defining the primary growing season.

← Virginia Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Powhatan County

Powhatan County averages 45.7 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 334 days. Annual mean temperature is 57.6°F.

Powhatan County's agricultural base centers on corn, cattle, and soybeans. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 260 farms working 33,100 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 2,706 head.


Quick Facts

RegionCentral Virginia
Top CommoditiesCorn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Vegetables, Horses, Wheat

Current Conditions

Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-04-14

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 Powhatan County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

16351 Church St, Amelia Court House, VA 23002

(804) 561-2147

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.


Programs for Powhatan County Operations

Based on Powhatan County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

EQIP supports pasture improvements and facilities for horse operations serving the Richmond metropolitan area. CSP promotes sustainable farming practices that maintain agricultural viability while protecting rural character under development pressure.

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 Powhatan County

Powhatan County shares borders with Amelia County, Virginia, Chesterfield County, Virginia, Cumberland County, Virginia, Goochland County, Virginia, and Henrico 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 Powhatan 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 Prescribed GrazingCSP

Vegetation Baseline

0.61
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.87
Peak season (Aug)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Powhatan 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.