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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Hempstead County
Elevation across Hempstead County averages about 362 feet. The county falls within the Cretaceous Western Coastal Plain (MLRA 135B) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 54.1 inches per year. January lows average around 33°F while July highs reach about 92°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 622 farms in Hempstead County, operating across 230,281 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 370 acres. Top commodities include cattle, hogs, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Arkansas |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Hogs, Vegetables, Wheat, Horses |
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 Hempstead County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
300 West Commerce Blvd, Hope, AR 71801
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 Hempstead County
The forage year in Hempstead County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 101,925 acres of pastureland and 60,073 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Hempstead County
About 21% of Hempstead County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 15% of farms are small and 13% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 370 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Hempstead County
Given the operation mix in Hempstead County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and waste management and nutrient planning for confined livestock operations. 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 Hempstead County Operations
Based on Hempstead County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize soil conservation on sloped fields and pasture improvement for cattle operations. Specialty crop insurance and disaster assistance support watermelon and other horticultural enterprises.
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 Hempstead County: Howard County, Arkansas, Lafayette County, Arkansas, Little River County, Arkansas, Miller County, Arkansas, Nevada County, Arkansas, and Pike County, Arkansas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Hempstead 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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