Cross County, Arkansas: USDA programs and conservation funding

256
Farms & Ranches
275K
Acres in Agriculture
1,075
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$467K
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Soybeans, Rice, Corn, Wheat
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Cross County, Arkansas has 256 farms working 275,217 agricultural acres (average 1,075 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $0.5 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Soybeans, Rice. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Cross County

Cross County is part of the Southern Mississippi Valley Loess land resource region (MLRA 134). The county's mean elevation is about 347 feet.

Based on 1991–2020 normals, Cross County sees 52.8 in of rain, a 61.5°F mean annual temperature.

Cross County carries 438 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 5,461 acres. 256 farms operate in the county, averaging 1,075 acres each.


Quick Facts

RegionArkansas Delta
Top CommoditiesSoybeans, Rice, Corn, Vegetables, Wheat, Grain sorghum

Current Conditions

Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 15+ 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 Cross County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

810 Highway 64 E Ste 15, Wynne, AR 72396

(870) 238-3285

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 Cross County Operations

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

Water management programs optimize rice irrigation while conserving groundwater resources for long-term sustainability. Conservation practices protect wetland habitats within agricultural landscapes.

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

Nearby Counties

Operators in Cross County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Crittenden County, Arkansas, Jackson County, Arkansas, Poinsett County, Arkansas, St. Francis County, Arkansas, and Woodruff County, Arkansas. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Cross 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

CRPEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.77
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.89
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Cross 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.