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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Madison County
Madison County sits within the Boston Mountains (MLRA 117) region. Elevation averages about 1,440 feet.
Temperatures in Madison County range from a January mean low of 26°F to a July mean high near 88°F. Annual precipitation averages 49.8 inches. Expect about 334 frost-free days.
Madison County ran 1,012 farms, 236,155 acres of farmland, and 54,306 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, milk, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwest Arkansas |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Dairy, Horses, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3).
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 Madison County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
479 N Parrot, Huntsville, AR 72740
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 Madison County Operations
Based on Madison County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs emphasize erosion control and pasture management on steep mountain slopes and sensitive watersheds. Alternative livestock systems and rotational grazing receive support to work with challenging topography.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Benton County, Arkansas, Carroll County, Arkansas, Crawford County, Arkansas, Franklin County, Arkansas, Johnson County, Arkansas, and Newton County, Arkansas. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Madison 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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