← Arkansas Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Yell County
Elevation across Yell County averages about 874 feet. The county falls within the Ouachita Mountains (MLRA 119) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 52.1 inches per year. January lows average around 30°F while July highs reach about 92°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 715 farms in Yell County, operating across 189,747 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 265 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | West Central Arkansas |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 34+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Yell County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1002 E 8th St, Danville, AR 72833
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 Yell County
The forage year in Yell County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 62,293 acres of pastureland and 885 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Yell County
About 22% of Yell County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 17% of farms are small and 7% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 265 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Yell County
Yell County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, corn, 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 Yell County Operations
Based on Yell County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs support both intensive row crop production in the Arkansas River bottoms and pasture management in the hill country. Conservation efforts include establishing riparian buffers along the Arkansas River and its tributaries.
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 Yell County: Conway County, Arkansas, Garland County, Arkansas, Logan County, Arkansas, Montgomery County, Arkansas, Perry County, Arkansas, and Pope County, Arkansas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Yell County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Arkansas guide: Arkansas Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.