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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About White County
Elevation across White County averages about 244 feet. The county falls within the Arkansas Valley and Ridges, Eastern Part (MLRA 118A) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 51.4 inches per year. January lows average around 31°F while July highs reach about 91°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,552 farms in White County, operating across 376,803 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 243 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, cattle, and rice.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Arkansas |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Rice, Corn, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Exceptional Drought (D4). LFP-eligible for 17+ 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 White County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
801 Airport Loop, Searcy, AR 72143
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 White County Operations
Based on White County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs address both bottomland water management for rice production and upland conservation for livestock operations. Poultry waste management systems help protect water quality in the White and Little Red River watersheds.
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 White County: Cleburne County, Arkansas, Faulkner County, Arkansas, Independence County, Arkansas, Jackson County, Arkansas, Lonoke County, Arkansas, and Prairie County, Arkansas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in White 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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