Hampshire County, West Virginia: USDA programs and conservation funding

880
Farms & Ranches
145K
Acres in Agriculture
165
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$7.4M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Grain, Corn, Goats
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Hampshire County, West Virginia has 880 farms working 145,379 agricultural acres (average 165 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $7.4 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Grain.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Hampshire County

Temperatures in Hampshire County range from a January mean low of 22°F to a July mean high near 86°F. Annual precipitation averages 39.6 inches. Expect about 275 frost-free days.

Hampshire County ran 880 farms, 145,379 acres of farmland, and 6,362 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, corn, and goats.


Quick Facts

RegionEastern Panhandle
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Corn, Floriculture

Current Conditions

Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.

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 Hampshire County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

500 E Main St, Romney, WV 26757

(304) 822-3020

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 Hampshire County Operations

Based on Hampshire County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Chesapeake Bay watershed programs promote nutrient management and stream protection practices. Poultry waste management systems help convert manure into valuable crop fertilizer while protecting water quality.

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

Bordering Counties

If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Allegany County, Maryland, Frederick County, Virginia, Grant County, West Virginia, Hardy County, West Virginia, Mineral County, West Virginia, and Morgan County, West Virginia. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Hampshire County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the West Virginia guide: West Virginia Farm Programs Guide

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Related program guides

EQIP FencingCRPEQIP Water Development

Quick Tools for Hampshire County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.