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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About St. Francis County
Elevation across St. Francis County averages about 283 feet. The county falls within the Southern Mississippi Valley Loess (MLRA 134) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 52.5 inches per year. January lows average around 32°F while July highs reach about 91°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 211 farms in St. Francis County, operating across 286,143 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,356 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, corn, and rice.
Quick Facts
| Region | Eastern Arkansas Delta |
| Top Commodities | Rice, Soybeans, Cotton, Corn, Wheat |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 St. Francis County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
4401 N Washington St, Forrest City, AR 72335
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 St. Francis County
The forage year in St. Francis County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 1,961 acres of pastureland and 1,271 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in St. Francis County
About 27% of St. Francis County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 10% of farms are small and 27% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 1,356 acres.
What Tends to Fit in St. Francis County
With corn and soybeans in the mix in St. Francis County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for St. Francis County Operations
Based on St. Francis County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Water management programs are essential for efficient irrigation and drainage in this intensive rice and row crop region. Conservation efforts focus on precision agriculture and water quality protection through cover crops and nutrient management.
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 St. Francis County: Crittenden County, Arkansas, Cross County, Arkansas, Lee County, Arkansas, Monroe County, Arkansas, and Woodruff County, Arkansas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in St. Francis 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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