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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Westmoreland County
The growing season in Westmoreland County spans roughly 334 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 45.2 inches per year. January lows average around 27°F while July highs reach about 89°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 141 farms in Westmoreland County, operating across 50,594 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 359 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northern Neck |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Vegetables, Soybeans, Wheat, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries |
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 Westmoreland County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
5559 Richmond Rd Apt B, Warsaw, VA 22572
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 Westmoreland County
The forage year in Westmoreland County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in August (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 1,651 acres of pastureland and 354 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Westmoreland County
About 22% of Westmoreland County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 19% of farms are small and 12% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 359 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Westmoreland County
Given the operation mix in Westmoreland County, the practices that most often come up are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Westmoreland County Operations
Based on Westmoreland County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs emphasize Chesapeake Bay watershed protection through nutrient management and riparian forest buffers. Focus on precision agriculture and cover crops to reduce agricultural runoff while maintaining productive grain and livestock operations.
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 Westmoreland County: Charles County, Maryland, Essex County, Virginia, King George County, Virginia, Northumberland County, Virginia, and Richmond County, Virginia. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Westmoreland 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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