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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Nicholas County
Temperatures in Nicholas County range from a January mean low of 22°F to a July mean high near 81°F. Annual precipitation averages 51.2 inches. Expect about 275 frost-free days.
Nicholas County ran 401 farms, 50,144 acres of farmland, and 1,685 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, equine, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Mountains |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Vegetables, Floriculture, Horses, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 Nicholas County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
834 Broad Street, Summersville, WV 26651
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
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.
Programs for Nicholas County Operations
Based on Nicholas County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP emphasizes erosion control and water system development for steep terrain operations. CSP supports rotational grazing systems that work effectively on mountain pastures.
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 Braxton County, West Virginia, Clay County, West Virginia, Fayette County, West Virginia, Greenbrier County, West Virginia, Kanawha County, West Virginia, and Webster County, West Virginia. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Nicholas 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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