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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Dallas County
Elevation across Dallas County averages about 270 feet. The county falls within the Western Coastal Plain (MLRA 133B) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 55.8 inches per year. January lows average around 32°F while July highs reach about 92°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 89 farms in Dallas County, operating across 12,625 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 142 acres. Top commodities include cattle, goats, and sheep.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Arkansas |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Goats, Poultry, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). 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 Dallas 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.
Forage and Grazing in Dallas County
The forage year in Dallas County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in September (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 4,170 acres of pastureland and 834 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Dallas County
About 19% of Dallas County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 21% of farms are small and 2% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 142 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Dallas County
With cattle and goats in the mix in Dallas County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and brush management (rangeland). 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 Dallas County Operations
Based on Dallas County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Forest management programs emphasize sustainable harvesting practices and wildlife habitat conservation. Livestock operations integrate grazing with forest management for diversified income.
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 Dallas County: Calhoun County, Arkansas, Clark County, Arkansas, Cleveland County, Arkansas, Grant County, Arkansas, Hot Spring County, Arkansas, and Ouachita County, Arkansas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Dallas 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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