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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About De Soto Parish
De Soto Parish sits within the Western Coastal Plain (MLRA 133B) region. Elevation averages about 252 feet.
Temperatures in De Soto Parish range from a January mean low of 37°F to a July mean high near 93°F. Annual precipitation averages 54.2 inches.
De Soto Parish ran 632 farms, 158,539 acres of farmland, and 31,527 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, equine, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwest Louisiana |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Poultry, Horses, Fruit & tree nuts, Floriculture, Honey |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 15+ 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 De Soto Parish.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
405 Polk St, Mansfield, LA 71052
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
1311 Ringgold Ave, Coushatta, LA 71019
This county also has 1 additional FSA office. View all offices
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 De Soto Parish Operations
Based on De Soto Parish's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Cotton production programs emphasize integrated pest management and precision application technologies. Forest conservation practices support timber-agriculture integration and Red River watershed protection.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Caddo Parish, Louisiana, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, Red River Parish, Louisiana, Sabine Parish, Louisiana, Panola County, Texas, and Shelby County, Texas. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in De Soto 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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