Poinsett County, Arkansas: USDA programs and conservation funding

289
Farms & Ranches
349K
Acres in Agriculture
1,207
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$648K
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Soybeans, Rice, Corn, Cotton
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Poinsett County, Arkansas has 289 farms working 348,782 agricultural acres (average 1,207 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $0.6 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Soybeans, Rice. Vegetation typically peaks in May, 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 Poinsett County

Poinsett County sits within the Southern Mississippi River Alluvium (MLRA 131A) region. Elevation averages about 347 feet.

Temperatures in Poinsett County range from a January mean low of 31°F to a July mean high near 91°F. Annual precipitation averages 51.9 inches.

Poinsett County ran 289 farms, 348,782 acres of farmland, and 1,106 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: soybeans, rice, and corn.


Quick Facts

RegionNortheastern Arkansas Delta
Top CommoditiesSoybeans, Rice, Corn, Cotton, Wheat, Cattle & calves

Current Conditions

Drought status: Exceptional Drought (D4). LFP-eligible for 17+ 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 Poinsett County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

413 Brooks Ave, Harrisburg, AR 72432

(870) 578-2444

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 Poinsett County Operations

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

Water management programs focus on efficient irrigation systems and water conservation for rice production. Conservation practices target soil health and water quality protection in this intensively farmed landscape.

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

Bordering Counties

If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Craighead County, Arkansas, Crittenden County, Arkansas, Cross County, Arkansas, Jackson County, Arkansas, and Mississippi County, Arkansas. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Poinsett 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 FencingEQIP Water DevelopmentCSPCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.76
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.91
Peak season (May)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Poinsett 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.