← Virginia Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
Located on the south bank of the James River in the tidewater region, featuring flat coastal plain terrain with numerous wetlands and tidal creeks. The county includes historic Jamestown Ferry crossing and is characterized by sandy loam soils typical of the Virginia coastal plain.
Agriculture emphasizes peanut production, soybeans, corn, and timber operations adapted to the coastal plain environment. Many farms practice crop rotation systems that take advantage of the region's long growing season and well-drained sandy soils.
Quick Facts
| Region | Tidewater |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Floriculture |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Surry County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
203 Wimbledon Ln, Suite A, Smithfield, VA 23430
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 Surry County Operations
Based on Surry County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation efforts focus on protecting the James River watershed and Chesapeake Bay through buffer strips and nutrient management. Programs support sustainable peanut production systems and wetland preservation in the sensitive coastal environment.
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
Counties Bordering Surry County
Surry County shares borders with Charles City County, Virginia, Isle of Wight County, Virginia, James City County, Virginia, Prince George County, Virginia, Southampton County, Virginia, and Sussex County, Virginia. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Surry 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.