← Virginia Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Smyth County
Smyth County is part of the Southern Appalachian Ridges and Valleys land resource region (MLRA 128).
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Smyth County sees 47.4 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 52.1°F mean annual temperature.
Smyth County carries 16,337 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 54,404 acres. 568 farms operate in the county, averaging 206 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Virginia |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Dairy, Grain sorghum, Vegetables, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Smyth County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
340 N Main Street Suite 102, Marion, VA 24354
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
448 Commerce Dr, Abingdon, VA 24211
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 Smyth County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Smyth County greening up around April and peaking in June. The county carries about 54,404 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Smyth County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Smyth County at an average farm size of 206 acres, 29% small operations, 32% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 12 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Smyth County
Smyth 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 Smyth County Operations
Based on Smyth County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs support sustainable grazing on mountain pastures and protect headwater streams in the Mount Rogers area. Focus on rotational grazing systems and maintaining healthy grasslands at higher elevations.
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 Smyth County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Bland County, Virginia, Grayson County, Virginia, Russell County, Virginia, Tazewell County, Virginia, Washington County, Virginia, and Wythe County, Virginia. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Smyth County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Virginia guide: Virginia Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.