← Virginia Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Southampton County
Rainfall averages 49.0 inches per year. January lows average around 29°F while July highs reach about 90°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 278 farms in Southampton County, operating across 155,013 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 558 acres. Top commodities include cotton, hogs, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southside |
| Top Commodities | Cotton, Hogs, Poultry, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 13+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Southampton County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
22313 Main St, Courtland, VA 23837
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 Southampton County Operations
Based on Southampton County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs support sustainable crop rotation systems and wetland conservation in the environmentally sensitive coastal plain. Emphasis on precision agriculture and integrated pest management for peanut and cotton production.
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 Southampton County: Gates County, North Carolina, Hertford County, North Carolina, Northampton County, North Carolina, Greensville County, Virginia, Isle of Wight County, Virginia, and Surry County, Virginia. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Southampton 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.