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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Catahoula Parish
Elevation across Catahoula Parish averages about 54 feet. The county falls within the Southern Mississippi River Alluvium (MLRA 131A) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 58.3 inches per year. January lows average around 38°F while July highs reach about 92°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 427 farms in Catahoula Parish, operating across 289,053 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 677 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, corn, and cotton.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Louisiana |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Cotton, Rice, Cattle & calves, Grain sorghum |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 14+ 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 Catahoula Parish.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
3545 Fourth St & Hwy 84, Jonesville, LA 71343
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 Catahoula Parish Operations
Based on Catahoula Parish's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Wetland conservation programs around Catahoula Lake focus on waterfowl habitat and flood control. Agricultural practices emphasize soil conservation and water quality protection in the Ouachita River watershed.
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 Catahoula Parish: Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, Caldwell Parish, Louisiana, Concordia Parish, Louisiana, Franklin Parish, Louisiana, LaSalle Parish, Louisiana, and Tensas Parish, Louisiana. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Catahoula Parish
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Louisiana guide: Louisiana Farm Programs Guide
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