← Arkansas Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Ouachita County
Ouachita County is part of the Western Coastal Plain land resource region (MLRA 133B). The county's mean elevation is about 151 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Ouachita County sees 54.1 in of rain, a 63.0°F mean annual temperature.
Ouachita County carries 1,461 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 5,589 acres. 155 farms operate in the county, averaging 268 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Arkansas |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Goats, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 14+ 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 Ouachita County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
151 South Adams Avenue, Camden, AR 71701
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 Ouachita County Operations
Based on Ouachita County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize forest stewardship and wetland restoration along the Ouachita River corridor. Conservation efforts target soil health improvement in bottom land farming areas.
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 Ouachita County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Calhoun County, Arkansas, Clark County, Arkansas, Columbia County, Arkansas, Dallas County, Arkansas, Nevada County, Arkansas, and Union County, Arkansas. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Ouachita 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.