Wirt County, West Virginia: USDA programs and conservation funding

288
Farms & Ranches
47K
Acres in Agriculture
164
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$1.7M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Grain, Hogs, Goats
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Wirt County, West Virginia has 288 farms working 47,200 agricultural acres (average 164 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $1.7 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Grain.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

Wirt County encompasses rolling hills and valleys along the Little Kanawha River with numerous small creeks creating a network of narrow bottomlands. The terrain is characterized by moderate slopes suitable for pasture with scattered woodland areas throughout.

Small family cattle operations dominate Wirt County's agricultural landscape, utilizing creek bottom hay fields and hillside pastures for grazing. The county's farming operations are typically diversified with beef cattle as the primary enterprise supplemented by hay sales and small-scale crop production.


Quick Facts

RegionWest Central West Virginia
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Hogs, Poultry, Goats

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 Wirt County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

91 Boyles Ln, Parkersburg, WV 26104

(304) 422-9072

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 Wirt County Operations

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

EQIP funding supports fence installation and water system development for rotational grazing systems across the county's rolling terrain. Beginning farmer programs are active due to affordable land prices and strong local mentorship networks among established cattle producers.

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 Wirt County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Calhoun County, West Virginia, Jackson County, West Virginia, Ritchie County, West Virginia, Roane County, West Virginia, and Wood County, West Virginia. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Wirt 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 FencingEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water Development

Quick Tools for Wirt 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.