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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Cleveland County
Cleveland County sits within the Western Coastal Plain (MLRA 133B) region. Elevation averages about 182 feet.
Temperatures in Cleveland County range from a January mean low of 33°F to a July mean high near 92°F. Annual precipitation averages 55.2 inches.
Cleveland County ran 208 farms, 39,364 acres of farmland, and 2,562 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, equine, and goats.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Arkansas |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Horses, Goats |
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 Cleveland County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
702 Forestry St, Fordyce, AR 71742
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 Cleveland County Operations
Based on Cleveland County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Forest management practices dominate conservation efforts with wildlife habitat enhancement. Programs support sustainable timber harvesting and forest regeneration techniques.
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 Bradley County, Arkansas, Calhoun County, Arkansas, Dallas County, Arkansas, Drew County, Arkansas, Grant County, Arkansas, and Jefferson County, Arkansas. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Cleveland 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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