Crittenden County, Arkansas: USDA programs and conservation funding

247
Farms & Ranches
355K
Acres in Agriculture
1,437
Avg Farm Size (acres)
Top commodities: Grain, Soybeans, Rice, Corn, Cotton
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Crittenden County, Arkansas has 247 farms working 354,875 agricultural acres (average 1,437 acres per farm). Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Soybeans, Rice. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

← Arkansas Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Crittenden County

Elevation across Crittenden County averages about 220 feet. The county falls within the Southern Mississippi River Alluvium (MLRA 131A) land resource region.

Rainfall averages 54.0 inches per year. January lows average around 32°F while July highs reach about 91°F.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 247 farms in Crittenden County, operating across 354,875 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,437 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, rice, and corn.


Quick Facts

RegionArkansas Delta
Top CommoditiesSoybeans, Rice, Corn, Cotton, Vegetables, Floriculture

Current Conditions

Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 13+ 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 Crittenden County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

1 Natural Resources Dr, Marion, AR 72364

(870) 739-4464

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 Crittenden County Operations

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

Conservation programs focus on maintaining soil health in intensive cropping systems and managing irrigation water efficiently. Wetland conservation supports waterfowl habitat in the Mississippi flyway.

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 Crittenden County: Cross County, Arkansas, Lee County, Arkansas, Mississippi County, Arkansas, Poinsett County, Arkansas, St. Francis County, Arkansas, and DeSoto County, Mississippi. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.

Your Next Steps in Crittenden County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Arkansas guide: Arkansas Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP FencingCRPEQIP Water DevelopmentCSP

Vegetation Baseline

0.37
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.85
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Crittenden 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.