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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Lawrence County
Elevation across Lawrence County averages about 247 feet. The county falls within the Southern Mississippi River Alluvium (MLRA 131A) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 50.0 inches per year. January lows average around 28°F while July highs reach about 90°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 389 farms in Lawrence County, operating across 256,117 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 658 acres. Top commodities include rice, soybeans, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Arkansas |
| Top Commodities | Rice, Poultry, Soybeans, Corn, Cattle & calves, Wheat |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 52+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Lawrence County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1100 W Main St, Walnut Ridge, AR 72476
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 Lawrence County
The forage year in Lawrence County runs from green-up in July to peak growth in August (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 31,537 acres of pastureland and 10,179 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Lawrence County
About 23% of Lawrence County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 11% of farms are small and 15% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 658 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Lawrence County
Lawrence County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, rice, and soybeans. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Lawrence County Operations
Based on Lawrence County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Irrigation water management and drainage improvements receive priority funding for rice production systems. Riparian conservation along the Black River focuses on water quality protection and wildlife habitat enhancement.
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 Lawrence County: Craighead County, Arkansas, Greene County, Arkansas, Independence County, Arkansas, Jackson County, Arkansas, Randolph County, Arkansas, and Sharp County, Arkansas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Lawrence 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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