← West Virginia Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About McDowell County
McDowell County averages 46.2 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 54.0°F.
McDowell County's agricultural base centers on equine and equine. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 20 farms working 929 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 145 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southern Mountains |
| Top Commodities | Horses, Poultry |
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 McDowell County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
301 Hardwood Lane, Suite A, Princeton, WV 24740
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
473 Ragland Rd, Beckley, WV 25801
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 McDowell County Operations
Based on McDowell County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Beginning Farmer programs help support limited agricultural development in this economically challenged region. EQIP assists with small-scale infrastructure improvements for the few remaining farming 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
Counties Bordering McDowell County
McDowell County shares borders with Buchanan County, Virginia, Tazewell County, Virginia, Mercer County, West Virginia, Mingo County, West Virginia, and Wyoming County, West 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 McDowell 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
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.