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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
Rolling hills with Kanawha River bottomland providing fertile agricultural soils. The county benefits from river valley agriculture combined with upland farming areas.
Agriculture utilizes both fertile river bottomland and rolling upland areas for diverse farming operations. Growing suburban development pressure affects agricultural land use patterns throughout the county.
Quick Facts
| Region | Western |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Floriculture, Fruit & tree nuts, Poultry, Berries |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Putnam County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
224 1st St, Point Pleasant, WV 25550
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
Keystone Prof Bldg, 418 Goff Mt Rd Rm 101, Cross Lanes, WV 25313
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 Putnam County Operations
Based on Putnam County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP emphasizes sustainable practices for farms under development pressure. CRP provides alternative income for farmers facing urban expansion while protecting environmental resources.
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 Putnam County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Cabell County, West Virginia, Jackson County, West Virginia, Kanawha County, West Virginia, Lincoln County, West Virginia, and Mason County, West Virginia. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Putnam 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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