← Louisiana Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Ouachita Parish
Ouachita Parish lies in the Arkansas River Alluvium (MLRA 131B) region. Elevation averages about 83 feet.
Ouachita Parish averages 57.0 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 65.0°F.
Ouachita Parish's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and cotton. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 428 farms working 96,690 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 4,181 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Louisiana |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Poultry, Soybeans, Cotton, Wheat, Fruit & tree nuts |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Ouachita Parish.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2410 Old Sterlington Rd Ste A, Monroe, LA 71203
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 Ouachita Parish
Ouachita Parish reported 4,181 head of cattle across roughly 14,205 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a August growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Ouachita Parish.
Farm Structure in Ouachita Parish
Irrigation covers about 23% of farmland in Ouachita Parish, roughly 22,444 acres. Farms average 226 acres, with about 44% classed as small operations. Around 23% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Ouachita Parish
Ouachita Parish'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 Ouachita Parish Operations
Based on Ouachita Parish's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Irrigation efficiency programs help optimize water use from Ouachita River and groundwater sources. Conservation practices focus on protecting water quality while supporting diverse agricultural operations.
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
Counties Bordering Ouachita Parish
Ouachita Parish shares borders with Caldwell Parish, Louisiana, Jackson Parish, Louisiana, Lincoln Parish, Louisiana, Morehouse Parish, Louisiana, Richland Parish, Louisiana, and Union Parish, Louisiana. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Ouachita Parish
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Louisiana guide: Louisiana Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.