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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Polk County
Polk County lies in the Ouachita Mountains (MLRA 119) region. Elevation averages about 1,423 feet.
Polk County averages 57.9 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 59.9°F.
Polk County's agricultural base centers on cattle, goats, and goats. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 622 farms working 103,336 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 15,873 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | West Central Arkansas |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Goats, Sheep, Horses, Honey |
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 Polk County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
508 7th St, Mena, AR 71953
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 Polk County
Polk County reported 15,873 head of cattle across roughly 46,237 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a May growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Polk County.
Farm Structure in Polk County
Polk County reports about 441 acres under irrigation. Farms average 166 acres, with about 24% classed as small operations. Around 29% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Polk County
Given the operation mix in Polk 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 brush management for rangeland. 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 Polk County Operations
Based on Polk County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation efforts focus on erosion control and pasture management on steep slopes of the Ouachita Mountains. Programs support rotational grazing systems and water development for livestock in remote areas.
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
Counties Bordering Polk County
Polk County shares borders with Howard County, Arkansas, Montgomery County, Arkansas, Pike County, Arkansas, Scott County, Arkansas, Sevier County, Arkansas, and Le Flore County, Oklahoma. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Polk 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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