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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Chicot County
Elevation across Chicot County averages about 122 feet. The county falls within the Southern Mississippi River Alluvium (MLRA 131A) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 56.2 inches per year. January lows average around 35°F while July highs reach about 92°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 209 farms in Chicot County, operating across 276,268 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,322 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, cotton, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | Arkansas Delta |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Cotton, Corn, Rice, Wheat, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Exceptional Drought (D4). LFP-eligible for 33+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
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 Chicot County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
3219 S Highway 65 & 82, Lake Village, AR 71653
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.
Forage and Grazing in Chicot County
The forage year in Chicot County runs from green-up in March to peak growth in August (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 3,100 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Chicot County
About 29% of Chicot County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 10% of farms are small and 32% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 1,322 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Chicot County
With corn and soybeans in the mix in Chicot County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Chicot County Operations
Based on Chicot County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize water management for irrigation and wetland conservation in the Mississippi flyway. Conservation tillage practices protect valuable Delta soils.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Chicot County: Ashley County, Arkansas, Desha County, Arkansas, Drew County, Arkansas, East Carroll Parish, Louisiana, Morehouse Parish, Louisiana, and West Carroll Parish, Louisiana. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Chicot 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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