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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Perry County
Elevation across Perry County averages about 293 feet. The county falls within the Ouachita Mountains (MLRA 119) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 52.6 inches per year. January lows average around 30°F while July highs reach about 92°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 339 farms in Perry County, operating across 68,311 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 202 acres. Top commodities include rice, cattle, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Arkansas |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Rice, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Hogs, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 34+ 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 Perry County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
235 Tilk Road, Conway, AR 72032
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
201 E Shady Lane, Morrilton, AR 72110
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 Perry County
The forage year in Perry County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 18,171 acres of pastureland and 6,347 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Perry County
About 22% of Perry County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 22% of farms are small and 6% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 202 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Perry County
Perry County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, rice, and cattle. 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 Perry County Operations
Based on Perry County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus on improving pasture management in the hills and protecting water quality along the Arkansas River. Wetland restoration projects support rice production sustainability.
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 Perry County: Conway County, Arkansas, Faulkner County, Arkansas, Garland County, Arkansas, Pulaski County, Arkansas, Saline County, Arkansas, and Yell County, Arkansas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Perry 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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