Arkansas Farm Programs: Rice Irrigation, Poultry Litter & MRBI
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
Quick Facts
| Farms & Ranches | ~42,300 (2022 USDA Census) |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, rice, soybeans, cattle & calves, cotton, catfish, corn |
| Total Ag Land | ~13.8 million acres |
| Average Farm Size | ~327 acres |
| EQIP FY2026 Application Deadline | Varies by area , contact your local NRCS office for current batching dates |
| CSP FY2026 Application Deadline | Varies by area , contact your local NRCS office for current batching dates |
| State NRCS Office | (501) 301-3100 · Little Rock, AR |
Federal Programs in Arkansas
Federal programs like EQIP, CSP, and FSA loans are available nationwide, but how they work in practice varies by state , each state sets its own EQIP priorities, ranking criteria, and application deadlines. Below is how the federal programs apply specifically in Arkansas. For full details on any program, read the federal program guides.
EQIP in Arkansas
Arkansas EQIP Priorities:
- Water quality and nutrient management (poultry , massive industry)
- Grazing management
- Soil health on cropland
- Irrigation water management (rice country)
- Livestock water development
- Wildlife habitat , bottomland hardwoods
Livestock-Specific Practices Commonly Funded:
- Cross-fencing for rotational grazing
- Livestock water development
- Prescribed grazing systems
- Nutrient management (poultry litter)
- Heavy use area protection
- Pasture improvement
- Riparian buffers
EQIP in Arkansas , What to Ask About: Arkansas NRCS offers EQIP funding across several resource concerns, including water quality, nutrient management, and grazing land health. For livestock and poultry operations, EQIP can assist with waste management, nutrient handling, prescribed grazing, and fencing. The National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) may also provide dedicated EQIP funding in priority watersheds. Contact your local NRCS office to find out which initiatives apply to your area.
Arkansas EQIP payment schedules: Available on the Arkansas NRCS website.
CSP in Arkansas
CSP rewards producers for conservation practices already in place and pays for new enhancements. Well-managed operations with rotational grazing, maintained fencing, and conservation practices are strong candidates.
FSA Programs in Arkansas
Current Disaster Designations: Check farmers.gov/protection-recovery for current drought and disaster designations in Arkansas.
Key FSA Programs:
- Direct and Guaranteed Farm Ownership and Operating Loans
- Microloans (up to $50,000 , simplified application)
- Emergency Farm Loans (for designated disaster areas)
- Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) : Tornado, flooding, ice storm, and drought losses
- ELAP , covers drought-related grazing losses and emergency costs
- Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) : triggered by drought monitor conditions
Arkansas FSA State Office: (501) 301-3000
Arkansas-Specific Programs
Arkansas Natural Resources Commission
Arkansas has 75 Conservation Districts. The state provides cost-share and technical assistance through ANRC.
Website: anrc.arkansas.gov
Arkansas Cattlemen's Association
Website: arbeef.org
Arkansas Tax Provisions for Ag
- Agricultural Land Assessment: Agricultural land is assessed at use value. Arkansas property taxes are generally low.
- State Income Tax: Top rate 4.4%. Farm income is subject to state tax.
- Sales Tax Exemptions: Farm equipment, livestock, feed, and agricultural inputs are exempt from Arkansas sales tax.
RCPP in Arkansas
The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) funds conservation projects through partnerships between NRCS and local organizations. RCPP projects vary by state and year — check with your local NRCS office or visit the RCPP page for current projects in your area.
ACEP in Arkansas
The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) helps landowners protect farmland and wetlands through conservation easements. Two components: Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) protect working farmland, and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) restore and protect wetlands. Contact your local NRCS office for current enrollment.
Resources
USDA Offices
- Find your local USDA Service Center: farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator
State Resources
- UA Division of Agriculture Extension: uaex.uada.edu
- Arkansas Cattlemen's Association: arbeef.org
- Arkansas Farm Bureau: arfb.com
Key Deadlines (FY2026)
Dates are approximate and subject to change. Always confirm with your local NRCS/FSA office.
| Program | Typical Deadline Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EQIP Primary Batching | Nov–Feb (varies by area) | Check with local NRCS for exact date |
| CSP Ranking | Varies | Check state ranking dates page |
| CRP General Sign-up | When announced by FSA | Not always open every year |
| LFP (Livestock Forage) | Automatic when drought triggers | Monitor drought conditions |
| LIP (Livestock Indemnity) | 30 days after loss to file notice | Don't miss this window |
| ELAP | 30 days after loss to file notice | Don't miss this window |
Your Next Steps in Arkansas
- Run our eligibility screener to see your personalized program list: Take the eligibility screener
- Find your local USDA Service Center: farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator
- Read the federal program guides for programs you're interested in: EQIP · CSP · Beginning Farmer · Disaster Assistance
- Poultry litter nutrient management is a massive EQIP focus in northwest Arkansas
- Ozark cattle operations should focus applications on grazing management and water quality
Tools for Arkansas Ranchers
Run the numbers before your next USDA visit. Each tool takes 2–3 minutes.
County Guides (75 counties)
Each county guide includes local USDA office information, relevant programs, and conservation priorities specific to that area.
Built by ranchers who've been through it. Every guide on this site is free.