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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Saline County
Saline County is part of the Ouachita Mountains land resource region (MLRA 119). The county's mean elevation is about 506 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Saline County sees 55.1 in of rain, a 61.7°F mean annual temperature.
Saline County carries 3,299 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 15,283 acres. 380 farms operate in the county, averaging 157 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Arkansas |
| Top Commodities | Horses, Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Hogs, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Exceptional Drought (D4). 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 Saline County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
220 Olive St Ste 3, Malvern, AR 72104
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 Saline County Operations
Based on Saline County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs support pasture improvement and forest management in this rapidly developing county. Beginning farmer programs help new agricultural entrepreneurs access land near urban markets.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Saline County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Garland County, Arkansas, Grant County, Arkansas, Hot Spring County, Arkansas, Perry County, Arkansas, and Pulaski County, Arkansas. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Saline 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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