Pulaski County, Virginia: USDA programs and conservation funding

390
Farms & Ranches
74K
Acres in Agriculture
190
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$13.6M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Milk, Grain, Corn, Sheep
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Pulaski County, Virginia has 390 farms working 74,264 agricultural acres (average 190 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $13.6 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Milk, Grain. Vegetation typically peaks in Aug, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Pulaski County

Pulaski County is part of the Southern Appalachian Ridges and Valleys land resource region (MLRA 128).

Based on 1991–2020 normals, Pulaski County sees 41.9 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 53.4°F mean annual temperature.

Pulaski County carries 13,269 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 34,921 acres. 390 farms operate in the county, averaging 190 acres each.


Quick Facts

RegionSouthwest Virginia
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Dairy, Corn, Sheep, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts

Current Conditions

Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.

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 Pulaski County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

75 Hampton Blvd, Christiansburg, VA 24073

(540) 585-3651

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 Pulaski County Operations

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

EQIP supports pasture improvements and nutrient management systems for livestock operations in the productive valley environment. CRP enrollment targets steep mountain slopes for forest establishment and erosion control.

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

Nearby Counties

Operators in Pulaski County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Bland County, Virginia, Carroll County, Virginia, Floyd County, Virginia, Giles County, Virginia, Montgomery County, Virginia, and Wythe County, Virginia. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Pulaski 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 GrazingCSPCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.68
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.78
Peak season (Aug)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Pulaski 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.