Lafayette County, Arkansas: USDA programs and conservation funding

192
Farms & Ranches
120K
Acres in Agriculture
627
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$14.7M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Cattle, Corn, Soybeans, Cotton
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Lafayette County, Arkansas has 192 farms working 120,374 agricultural acres (average 627 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $14.7 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Cattle, Corn. Vegetation typically peaks in Jun, 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 Lafayette County

Lafayette County is part of the Western Coastal Plain land resource region (MLRA 133B). The county's mean elevation is about 254 feet.

Based on 1991–2020 normals, Lafayette County sees 52.8 in of rain, a 63.9°F mean annual temperature.

Lafayette County carries 17,545 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 35,733 acres. 192 farms operate in the county, averaging 627 acres each.


Quick Facts

RegionSouthwest Arkansas
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Rice

Current Conditions

Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 9+ 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 Lafayette County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

2 Agriplex Dr, Lewisville, AR 71845

(870) 921-4206

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 Lafayette County Operations

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

Silvopasture development receives program emphasis to sustainably integrate timber and livestock enterprises. Water system improvements and pond construction support cattle operations in areas lacking natural water sources.

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 Lafayette County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Columbia County, Arkansas, Hempstead County, Arkansas, Miller County, Arkansas, Nevada County, Arkansas, Bossier Parish, Louisiana, and Webster Parish, Louisiana. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Lafayette 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 Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.68
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.76
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Lafayette 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.