← West Virginia Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Pendleton County
Pendleton County is part of the Northern Appalachian Ridges and Valleys land resource region (MLRA 147).
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Pendleton County sees 43.2 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 50.1°F mean annual temperature.
Pendleton County carries 7,642 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 53,678 acres. 588 farms operate in the county, averaging 289 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Eastern Mountains |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Corn, Sheep, Soybeans, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Pendleton County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1205 Petersburg Pike, Franklin, WV 26807
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 Pendleton County Operations
Based on Pendleton County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
CSP supports diverse livestock operations including cattle, sheep, and poultry enterprises. EQIP funding focuses on water quality protection along the South Branch Potomac River system.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Pendleton County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Augusta County, Virginia, Highland County, Virginia, Rockingham County, Virginia, Grant County, West Virginia, Hardy County, West Virginia, and Pocahontas County, West Virginia. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Pendleton 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.