Pike County, Arkansas: USDA programs and conservation funding

350
Farms & Ranches
105K
Acres in Agriculture
299
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$7.0M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Hogs, Sheep, Goats
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Pike County, Arkansas has 350 farms working 104,823 agricultural acres (average 299 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $7.0 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Hogs. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

← Arkansas Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Pike County

Elevation across Pike County averages about 648 feet. The county falls within the Ouachita Mountains (MLRA 119) land resource region.

Rainfall averages 57.1 inches per year. January lows average around 31°F while July highs reach about 92°F.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 350 farms in Pike County, operating across 104,823 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 299 acres. Top commodities include cattle, hogs, and sheep.


Quick Facts

RegionSouthwest Arkansas
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Cattle & calves, Hogs, Sheep, Goats

Current Conditions

Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). 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 Pike County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

101 S Washington St, Nashville, AR 71852

(870) 845-4121

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 Pike County Operations

Based on Pike County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Programs emphasize pasture improvement and rotational grazing systems to maximize forage production. Forest stewardship initiatives help landowners manage timber resources while maintaining wildlife habitat.

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 Pike County: Clark County, Arkansas, Hempstead County, Arkansas, Howard County, Arkansas, Montgomery County, Arkansas, Nevada County, Arkansas, and Polk County, Arkansas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.

Your Next Steps in Pike 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 Prescribed GrazingCSP

Vegetation Baseline

0.71
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.82
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Pike 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.