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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
| Region | Arkansas Delta |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Rice, Corn, Cotton, Vegetables, Floriculture |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Crittenden County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1 Natural Resources Dr, Marion, AR 72364
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 Crittenden County
The forage year in Crittenden County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 1,411 acres of pastureland and 316 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Crittenden County
About 20% of Crittenden County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 14% of farms are small and 35% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 1,437 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Crittenden County
Given the operation mix in Crittenden County, the practices that most often come up are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
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
- 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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