Summers County, West Virginia: USDA programs and conservation funding

393
Farms & Ranches
65K
Acres in Agriculture
165
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$2.7M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Maple Syrup, Honey, Sheep, Goats
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Summers County, West Virginia has 393 farms working 64,935 agricultural acres (average 165 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $2.7 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Maple Syrup, Honey.

← West Virginia Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Summers County

Temperatures in Summers County range from a January mean low of 24°F to a July mean high near 83°F. Annual precipitation averages 42.0 inches. Expect about 275 frost-free days.

Summers County ran 393 farms, 64,935 acres of farmland, and 2,874 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, maple syrup, and honey.


Quick Facts

RegionSoutheastern Mountains
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Poultry, Maple syrup, Honey

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 Summers County.

NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)

301 Hardwood Lane, Suite A, Princeton, WV 24740

(304) 487-1404

FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)

473 Ragland Rd, Beckley, WV 25801

(304) 253-9597

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 Summers County Operations

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

EQIP supports riparian protection along the Greenbrier River and stream crossing improvements. CSP promotes wildlife habitat enhancement integrated with livestock grazing systems.

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 Giles County, Virginia, Fayette County, West Virginia, Greenbrier County, West Virginia, Mercer County, West Virginia, Monroe County, West Virginia, and Raleigh County, West Virginia. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Summers 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

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP FencingCRPEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSP

Quick Tools for Summers 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.