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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Howard County
Howard County sits within the Cretaceous Western Coastal Plain (MLRA 135B) region. Elevation averages about 428 feet.
Temperatures in Howard County range from a January mean low of 31°F to a July mean high near 92°F. Annual precipitation averages 55.8 inches.
Howard County ran 446 farms, 110,927 acres of farmland, and 20,999 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: hogs, cattle, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Arkansas |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Horses, Sheep |
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 Howard County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
101 S Washington St, Nashville, AR 71852
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 Howard County Operations
Based on Howard County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Silvopasture practices receive emphasis to integrate timber and livestock production sustainably. Cost-share programs assist with pasture renovation and water system development for cattle operations.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Hempstead County, Arkansas, Little River County, Arkansas, Montgomery County, Arkansas, Pike County, Arkansas, Polk County, Arkansas, and Sevier County, Arkansas. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Howard 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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