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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
| Region | Central Virginia |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Vegetables, Horses, Wheat |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 Powhatan County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
16351 Church St, Amelia Court House, VA 23002
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 Powhatan County
Powhatan County reported 2,706 head of cattle across roughly 5,728 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a August 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 Powhatan County.
Farm Structure in Powhatan County
Powhatan County reports about 120 acres under irrigation. Farms average 127 acres, with about 39% classed as small operations. Around 21% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Powhatan County
With cattle and corn in the mix in Powhatan County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and brush management (rangeland). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
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
- 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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