Izard County, Arkansas: USDA programs and conservation funding

574
Farms & Ranches
184K
Acres in Agriculture
320
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$14.2M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Goats, Goats, Sheep
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Izard County, Arkansas has 574 farms working 183,625 agricultural acres (average 320 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $14.2 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Goats. 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 Izard County

Izard County sits within the Ozark Highland (MLRA 116A) region. Elevation averages about 660 feet.

Temperatures in Izard County range from a January mean low of 27°F to a July mean high near 90°F. Annual precipitation averages 49.6 inches. Expect about 334 frost-free days.

Izard County ran 574 farms, 183,625 acres of farmland, and 17,938 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, goats, and goats.


Quick Facts

RegionNorth Central Arkansas
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Cattle & calves, Goats, Sheep, Floriculture, Horses

Current Conditions

Drought status: Exceptional Drought (D4). LFP-eligible for 34+ 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 Izard County.

NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)

1357 E Main, Melbourne, AR 72556

(870) 368-4413

FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)

207 Martin St, Mountainview, AR 72560

(870) 269-3726

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 Izard County Operations

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

Erosion control and pasture management on steep slopes receive conservation priority funding. Programs support development of alternative water sources and rotational grazing systems adapted to mountainous terrain.

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 Baxter County, Arkansas, Fulton County, Arkansas, Independence County, Arkansas, Sharp County, Arkansas, and Stone County, Arkansas. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Izard 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

EQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water DevelopmentCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.64
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.83
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Izard 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.