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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Little River County
Little River County lies in the Cretaceous Western Coastal Plain (MLRA 135B) region. Elevation averages about 335 feet.
Little River County averages 52.5 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 63.3°F.
Little River County's agricultural base centers on cattle, corn, and soybeans. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 361 farms working 173,519 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 27,192 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Arkansas |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Horses, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Little River County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
271 W Main St., Ashdown, AR 71822
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 Little River County
Little River County reported 27,192 head of cattle across roughly 58,010 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows May green-up and a June growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Little River County.
Farm Structure in Little River County
Irrigation covers about 6% of farmland in Little River County, roughly 10,820 acres. Farms average 481 acres, with about 13% classed as small operations. Around 22% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Little River County
Little River County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, grain, and corn. 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 Little River County Operations
Based on Little River County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Soil conservation practices receive emphasis in rolling terrain to prevent erosion and maintain productivity. Integrated forest and agricultural management programs support diverse income streams for landowners.
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
Counties Bordering Little River County
Little River County shares borders with Hempstead County, Arkansas, Howard County, Arkansas, Miller County, Arkansas, Sevier County, Arkansas, McCurtain County, Oklahoma, and Bowie County, Texas. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Little River 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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