Woodruff County, Arkansas: USDA programs and conservation funding

165
Farms & Ranches
223K
Acres in Agriculture
1,349
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$77K
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Rice, Soybeans, Corn, Wheat
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Woodruff County, Arkansas has 165 farms working 222,605 agricultural acres (average 1,349 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $0.1 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Rice, Soybeans. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

Programs likely to fit Woodruff County operations

With 165 farms averaging 1,349 acres, a grain and rice commodity base, vegetation peaking near Jul at 0.77 NDVI, these are the federal programs most worth a closer look. Every program is competitive — confirm fit with your local USDA office.

← Arkansas Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Woodruff County

Woodruff County is part of the Southern Mississippi River Alluvium land resource region (MLRA 131A). The county's mean elevation is about 188 feet.

Based on 1991–2020 normals, Woodruff County sees 50.4 in of rain, a 61.5°F mean annual temperature.

Woodruff County carries 174 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 1,145 acres. 165 farms operate in the county, averaging 1,349 acres each.


Quick Facts

RegionEastern Arkansas Delta
Top CommoditiesRice, Soybeans, Corn, Wheat, Cattle & calves, Poultry

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 Woodruff County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

1274 Highway 64, Augusta, AR 72006

(870) 347-2593

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 Woodruff County

Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Woodruff County greening up around April and peaking in July. The county carries about 1,145 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.


Farm Structure in Woodruff County

The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Woodruff County at an average farm size of 1,349 acres, 8% small operations, 18% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 158,769 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.


What Tends to Fit in Woodruff County

Woodruff County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, rice, and soybeans. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.


Programs for Woodruff County Operations

Based on Woodruff County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Water management programs are critical for efficient rice irrigation and maintaining the extensive wetland systems. Conservation efforts emphasize protecting bottomland hardwood forests and managing agricultural runoff to preserve water quality.

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 Woodruff County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Cross County, Arkansas, Jackson County, Arkansas, Monroe County, Arkansas, Prairie County, Arkansas, St. Francis County, Arkansas, and White County, Arkansas. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Woodruff County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Arkansas guide: Arkansas Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP FencingCRPEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.48
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.77
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Woodruff County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.