Rockingham County, Virginia: USDA programs and conservation funding

1,722
Farms & Ranches
192K
Acres in Agriculture
111
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$45.3M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Milk, Cattle, Grain, Corn, Soybeans
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Rockingham County, Virginia has 1,722 farms working 191,588 agricultural acres (average 111 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $45.3 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Milk, Cattle, Grain. Vegetation typically peaks in May, 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 Rockingham County

Temperatures in Rockingham County range from a January mean low of 23°F to a July mean high near 84°F. Annual precipitation averages 42.8 inches. Expect about 275 frost-free days.

Rockingham County ran 1,722 farms, 191,588 acres of farmland, and 4,884 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: milk, cattle, and corn.


Quick Facts

RegionShenandoah Valley
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Dairy, Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, 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 Rockingham County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

1934 Deyerle Ave, Suite C, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

(540) 534-3104

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 Rockingham County Operations

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

Environmental programs address nutrient management from intensive livestock operations and protect the Shenandoah River watershed. Focus on manure management systems, cover crops, and precision agriculture to balance productivity with environmental stewardship.

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

Bordering Counties

If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Albemarle County, Virginia, Augusta County, Virginia, Greene County, Virginia, Page County, Virginia, Shenandoah County, Virginia, and Hardy County, West Virginia. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Rockingham 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 FencingCSPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.74
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.76
Peak season (May)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Rockingham 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.