← Arkansas Farm Programs Guide
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
| Region | Southwest Arkansas |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Rice |
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 Lafayette County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2 Agriplex Dr, Lewisville, AR 71845
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 Lafayette County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Lafayette County greening up around April and peaking in June. The county carries about 35,733 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Lafayette County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Lafayette County at an average farm size of 627 acres, 11% small operations, 22% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 21,556 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Lafayette County
Given the operation mix in Lafayette 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 brush management for rangeland. 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 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
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Arkansas guide: Arkansas Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.