← Arkansas Farm Programs Guide
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: 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 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.
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
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.