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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: 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 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.
Forage and Grazing in Catahoula Parish
The forage year in Catahoula Parish runs from green-up in April to peak growth in April (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 13,458 acres of pastureland and 1,153 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Catahoula Parish
About 27% of Catahoula Parish producers are 65 or older. Roughly 13% of farms are small and 18% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 677 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Catahoula Parish
With corn and soybeans in the mix in Catahoula Parish, the practices worth raising with NRCS are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
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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