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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: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 12+ 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 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.
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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