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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Clay County
The growing season in Clay County spans roughly 306 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 47.7 inches per year. January lows average around 24°F while July highs reach about 85°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 134 farms in Clay County, operating across 18,614 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 139 acres. Top commodities include cattle, honey, and hogs.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Poultry, Honey, Hogs |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 Clay County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1336 State St, Gassaway, WV 26624
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.
Farm Structure in Clay County
About 22% of Clay County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 12% of farms are small and 2% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 139 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Clay County
Clay County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, honey, and hogs. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for confined livestock operations, waste management and nutrient planning. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Clay County Operations
Based on Clay County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs address erosion control on steep slopes and water quality protection in narrow valleys. Beginning farmer programs support young people maintaining family agricultural traditions.
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 Clay County: Braxton County, West Virginia, Calhoun County, West Virginia, Kanawha County, West Virginia, Nicholas County, West Virginia, and Roane County, West Virginia. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Clay County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the West Virginia guide: West Virginia Farm Programs Guide
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