Perry County, Arkansas: USDA programs and conservation funding

339
Farms & Ranches
68K
Acres in Agriculture
202
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$4.0M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Rice, Cattle, Soybeans, Field Crops, Other
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Perry County, Arkansas has 339 farms working 68,311 agricultural acres (average 202 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $4.0 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Rice, Cattle. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

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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

RegionCentral Arkansas
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Rice, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Hogs, Horses

Current Conditions

Drought status: Exceptional Drought (D4). LFP-eligible for 13+ 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 Perry County.

NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)

235 Tilk Road, Conway, AR 72032

(501) 505-4085

FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)

201 E Shady Lane, Morrilton, AR 72110

(501) 354-2000

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 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

  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 FencingCRPEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.76
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.87
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Perry 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.