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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Scott County
Elevation across Scott County averages about 926 feet. The county falls within the Ouachita Mountains (MLRA 119) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 54.1 inches per year. January lows average around 29°F while July highs reach about 91°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 488 farms in Scott County, operating across 106,366 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 218 acres. Top commodities include cattle, equine, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | West Central Arkansas |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Horses, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3).
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 Scott County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
3913 Brooken Hill Dr, Fort Smith, AR 72908
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 Scott County
The forage year in Scott County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in May (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 41,060 acres of pastureland and 16,336 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Scott County
About 30% of Scott County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 10% of farms are small and 4% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 218 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Scott County
Scott County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, equine, and equine. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Scott County Operations
Based on Scott County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs emphasize erosion control and pasture management on the steep terrain of the Ouachita Mountains. Forest stewardship practices help maintain both timber production and 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 Scott County: Logan County, Arkansas, Montgomery County, Arkansas, Polk County, Arkansas, Sebastian County, Arkansas, Yell County, Arkansas, and Le Flore County, Oklahoma. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Scott 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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