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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Richland Parish
Elevation across Richland Parish averages about 78 feet. The county falls within the Southern Mississippi Valley Loess (MLRA 134) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 57.0 inches per year. January lows average around 36°F while July highs reach about 93°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 556 farms in Richland Parish, operating across 227,761 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 410 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and cotton.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Louisiana |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Rice, Vegetables, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 7+ 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 Richland Parish.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
141 Industrial Loop, Rayville, LA 71269
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 Richland Parish Operations
Based on Richland Parish's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Drainage improvement programs essential for row crop production on heavy bottomland soils. Wildlife habitat conservation initiatives provide supplemental income while supporting waterfowl populations.
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 Richland Parish: Caldwell Parish, Louisiana, East Carroll Parish, Louisiana, Franklin Parish, Louisiana, Madison Parish, Louisiana, Morehouse Parish, Louisiana, and Ouachita Parish, Louisiana. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Richland 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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