Dunklin County, Missouri: USDA programs and conservation funding

291
Farms & Ranches
302K
Acres in Agriculture
1,038
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$320K
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cotton, Grain, Soybeans, Corn, Rice
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Dunklin County, Missouri has 291 farms working 302,199 agricultural acres (average 1,038 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $0.3 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cotton, Grain, Soybeans. Vegetation typically peaks in Aug, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Dunklin County

Dunklin County lies in the Southern Mississippi River Alluvium (MLRA 131A) region. Elevation averages about 251 feet.

Dunklin County averages 50.2 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 59.9°F.

Dunklin County's agricultural base centers on cotton, soybeans, and corn. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 291 farms working 302,199 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 352 head.


Quick Facts

RegionSoutheast Missouri
Top CommoditiesCotton, Soybeans, Vegetables, Corn, Rice, Wheat

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 Dunklin County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

704 N Bypass, Kennett, MO 63857

(573) 888-2536

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 Dunklin County Operations

Based on Dunklin County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Precision agriculture and irrigation management are essential for maximizing yields on these high-value soils. Wetland restoration programs balance agricultural production with waterfowl habitat needs.

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 Dunklin County

Dunklin County shares borders with Clay County, Arkansas, Craighead County, Arkansas, Greene County, Arkansas, Mississippi County, Arkansas, Butler County, Missouri, and New Madrid County, Missouri. 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 Dunklin County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Missouri guide: Missouri Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP FencingCRPEQIP Water DevelopmentCSP

Vegetation Baseline

0.37
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.82
Peak season (Aug)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Dunklin County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.