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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Shenandoah County
The county falls within the Northern Appalachian Ridges and Valleys (MLRA 147) land resource region.
The growing season in Shenandoah County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 40.4 inches per year. January lows average around 23°F while July highs reach about 85°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 859 farms in Shenandoah County, operating across 120,653 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 140 acres. Top commodities include cattle, corn, and milk.
Quick Facts
| Region | Shenandoah Valley |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Corn, Fruit & tree nuts, Dairy, Soybeans |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Shenandoah County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
722 East Queen Street, Strasburg, VA 22657
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 Shenandoah County
The forage year in Shenandoah County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in August (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 40,924 acres of pastureland and 12,252 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Shenandoah County
About 25% of Shenandoah County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 36% of farms are small and 5% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 140 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Shenandoah County
Shenandoah County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, grain, and corn. 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 Shenandoah County Operations
Based on Shenandoah County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Environmental programs focus on nutrient management from concentrated animal feeding operations and Shenandoah River protection. Emphasis on buffer strips, cover crops, and precision application of fertilizers to maintain water quality while supporting intensive agriculture.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Shenandoah County: Frederick County, Virginia, Page County, Virginia, Rockingham County, Virginia, Warren County, Virginia, and Hardy County, West Virginia. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Shenandoah 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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