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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Benton County
Benton County sits within the Ozark Highland (MLRA 116A) region. Elevation averages about 1,236 feet.
Temperatures in Benton County range from a January mean low of 26°F to a July mean high near 90°F. Annual precipitation averages 47.4 inches. Expect about 334 frost-free days.
Benton County ran 1,796 farms, 216,914 acres of farmland, and 74,056 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, milk, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwest Arkansas |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Dairy, Horses, Floriculture, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 14+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Benton County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
1401 NE Mcclain Rd, Bentonville, AR 72712
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
2898 N Point Cir # 2, Fayetteville, AR 72704
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 Benton County Operations
Based on Benton County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs address nutrient management from poultry operations and water quality protection in the Illinois River basin. Conservation practices focus on pasture improvement and waste utilization.
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 Carroll County, Arkansas, Madison County, Arkansas, Washington County, Arkansas, Barry County, Missouri, McDonald County, Missouri, and Adair County, Oklahoma. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Benton County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Arkansas guide: Arkansas Farm Programs Guide
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