Lee County, Arkansas: USDA programs and conservation funding

221
Farms & Ranches
307K
Acres in Agriculture
1,387
Avg Farm Size (acres)
Top commodities: Grain, Soybeans, Cotton, Corn, Rice
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Lee County, Arkansas has 221 farms working 306,554 agricultural acres (average 1,387 acres per farm). Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Soybeans, Cotton. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

← Arkansas Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Lee County

Lee County is part of the Southern Mississippi Valley Loess land resource region (MLRA 134). The county's mean elevation is about 222 feet.

Based on 1991–2020 normals, Lee County sees 52.2 in of rain, a 62.3°F mean annual temperature.

Lee County carries 800 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 1,779 acres. 221 farms operate in the county, averaging 1,387 acres each.


Quick Facts

RegionNortheast Arkansas
Top CommoditiesSoybeans, Cotton, Corn, Rice, Wheat, Grain sorghum

Current Conditions

Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 12+ 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 Lee County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

32 South Poplar St, Marianna, AR 72360

(870) 295-5211

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 Lee County Operations

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

Water management infrastructure improvements focus on irrigation efficiency and tailwater recovery systems. Conservation programs emphasize nutrient management and soil health practices in intensive rice production systems.

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 Lee County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Crittenden County, Arkansas, Monroe County, Arkansas, Phillips County, Arkansas, St. Francis County, Arkansas, and Tunica County, Mississippi. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Lee 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

0.30
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.82
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Lee 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.