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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
| Region | Southwest Arkansas |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Hogs, Sheep, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Pike County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
101 S Washington St, Nashville, AR 71852
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 Pike County
The forage year in Pike County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 31,321 acres of pastureland and 10,571 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Pike County
About 26% of Pike County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 12% of farms are small and 8% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 299 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Pike County
Given the operation mix in Pike County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and waste management and nutrient planning for confined livestock operations. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
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
- 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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