Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA)

The Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) Program provides technical assistance supported by science technology and tools to help people conserve, maintain, and improve natural resources on their land.  The CTA program provides the technical capability, including conservation planning, design and implementation provided to individuals, groups, and communities who make natural resource management decisions on private, tribal, and other non-federal lands.  NRCS, through the CTA Program, provides conservation technical assistance to address state and national natural resource conservation issues.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

Through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service provides a voluntary conservation program for farmers and ranchers to promote agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible with national goals.  EQIP priorities in Arkansas are to reduce erosion; reduce pollution from animal wastes, nutrients and sediments; improve irrigation and reduce dependence on ground water for irrigation; forest improvements; improve grazing lands; and improve wildlife habitat.

Download EQIP Application

Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP)

The Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) is a voluntary program for people who want to develop and improve wildlife habitat primarily on private land.  Emphasis is on declining species: bobwhite quail, elk, neo-tropical migratory songbirds and threatened or endangered species.  Good habitats are also being developed and managed for numerous game and non-game species.

Download WHIP Application

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is a voluntary program providing financial and technical assistance promoting the conservation and improvement of soil, water, air, energy, plant and animal life, and other conservation purposes on Tribal and private working lands.  The 2008 Farm Bill replaced the Conservation Security Program with the new Conservation Stewardship Program for fiscal years 2009 through 2017.  The program may enroll more than 12.7 million acres each fiscal year.  Acreage will be allocated based primarily on each state's or area's proportion of eligible acres to the total number of all eligible acres.  The 2008 Farm Bill provides for funding for all current Conservation Security Program contracts.

Download CSP Application

Notice to Hispanic and/or Women Farmers and Ranchers

Click here if you are a woman or Hispanic farmer and believe you were improperly denied farm loan benefits by USDA between 1981 and 2000.  You may be eligible for compensation.  Follow the link for more information or to request a package online:  https://farmerclaims.gov/