Farm Jobs in Arkansas
Discover agricultural careers in Arkansas, America's undisputed rice leader producing 50% of all U.S. rice across 1.43 million acres in the Grand Prairie and Delta regions. With #2 national ranking in poultry and eggs ($6.7 billion, 174,871 jobs), #3 in broilers, turkeys, catfish, and cotton, plus top soybean production, Arkansas's $14 billion agriculture industry offers diverse opportunities across 37,756 farms employing 235,000+ workers.
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1 Farm Job in Arkansas
Farm Jobs in Arkansas
Arkansas agriculture generates $14 billion in market value of agricultural products sold with a $24.3 billion total economic contribution across 37,756 farms operating on 13.7 million acres, supporting 235,000+ jobs statewide. Arkansas reigns as the undisputed #1 rice producer in the United States, growing approximately 50% of all American rice across 1.43 million acres (2024) with a state-record yield of 169.8 bushels per acre (7,640 lbs/acre), generating $1.332 billion in production value and $682 million in rice exports—more than any other state. The Grand Prairie region (500,000+ acres of natural grassland between Arkansas and White rivers) has served as the heart of American rice production since the early 1900s, with Stuttgart earning recognition as the "Rice and Duck Capital of the World" and eastern Arkansas synonymous with rice farming. Arkansas ranks #2 nationally for poultry and eggs with $6.7 billion in cash receipts (53% of total agricultural income) employing 174,871 workers across 6,500+ farms, concentrated in Northwest Arkansas (Benton, Washington, Madison counties). The state holds #3 national rankings for broiler chickens ($3.971 billion, 44% of state ag receipts, $531 million in exports), turkeys (27 million birds raised), catfish production ($23.1 million, 3,000 acres), and cotton (1.75 million bales on 650,000 acres with record 1,313 lbs/acre yield). Additional major commodities include soybeans (record 166 million bushels on 3+ million acres, $1.635 billion value), cattle (#11 nationally, $600 million, 23,385 farms representing 54% of Arkansas farms), and forestry (#3 nationally for economic impact at $6.5 billion, #1 in the South, employing 50,803 workers). Top agricultural counties include Jackson County (#1 rice producer with 112,000+ acres), Mississippi County (cotton, soybeans, peanuts), Poinsett County (rice, soybeans), Benton County (#1 poultry), and Washington County (#2 poultry), with the Delta region (eastern Arkansas) serving as the powerhouse for row crop agriculture producing rice, soybeans, and cotton.
Why Work on Arkansas Farms?
Working on Arkansas farms offers diverse opportunities across America's most productive rice and poultry regions with competitive wages and year-round employment. H-2A agricultural workers earn $14.83/hour (2025 rate, shared with Louisiana and Mississippi), up from $10.10/hour in 2016, with a new skill-based system starting October 2025 offering $13.40/hour for entry-level farmworkers and $16.18/hour for experienced roles requiring certifications/specialized duties. Poultry industry jobs average $57,100 annually in wages and benefits across 174,871 positions in Northwest Arkansas, providing year-round climate-controlled employment in broiler production ($3.971 billion sector), turkey operations (27 million birds), and egg facilities (3.9 billion eggs, #7 nationally). Rice farming employment peaks during planting (March-April across 1.43 million acres) and harvest (August-October) in the Delta region and Grand Prairie, with Arkansas producing 50% of U.S. rice and maintaining the #1 national position through state-record 169.8 bushel/acre yields and innovative zero-grade water conservation techniques. The 37,756 farms (average 363 acres) create employment across multiple sectors: rice operations in Jackson County (112,000+ acres, #1 in state), Poinsett, Arkansas, Cross, and Lawrence counties; poultry facilities in Benton (#1), Washington (#2), and Madison (#5) counties; soybean farms producing record 166 million bushels; cotton operations harvesting 1.75 million bales (#3 nationally); cattle ranches on 23,385 farms (54% of state farms, $600 million value); and catfish aquaculture (#3 nationally, $23.1 million). Forestry operations (#3 nationally, $6.5 billion impact, #1 in South) employ 50,803 workers with $1.7 billion annual payroll in timber harvesting, sawmills, and wood products. The Delta region offers intensive seasonal employment during rice, soybean, and cotton planting and harvest with 180-210 frost-free days (zones 7a-8b), while poultry provides consistent year-round positions. Arkansas exports $4.3 billion in agricultural products annually (14th largest ag exporting state), led by rice ($682M) and broilers ($531M) to Mexico ($1.6B total) and Canada, demonstrating industry stability. Federal farmworker housing programs provide $48 million for on-farm and off-farm housing, while the National Farmworker Jobs Program coordinates housing, medical, emergency, nutritional, and childcare assistance through Arkansas Human Development Corporation.
Types of Farms in Arkansas
Arkansas agriculture features distinct regional specializations with rice and poultry dominating economic output. **Rice farms** lead the nation with 1.43 million acres (50% of U.S. production) generating $1.332 billion across the Grand Prairie region (500,000+ acres between Arkansas and White rivers) and Mississippi Delta, achieving state-record 169.8 bushel/acre yields (7,640 lbs/acre) in 2024 with $682 million in exports (#1 nationally). Top rice counties include Jackson (#1 with 112,000+ acres), Poinsett (134,944 acres historically), Arkansas (117,675 acres), Cross (106,254 acres), Lawrence (99,480 acres), and Lonoke, employing workers for March-April planting and August-October harvest with innovative water conservation (zero-grade farming) in response to Grand Prairie aquifer depletion (70-90% depleted in critical areas). **Poultry operations** rank #2 nationally ($6.7B, 53% of ag receipts) with broiler production #3 nationally ($3.971B, 44% of state ag income, $531M exports) across 6,500+ farms concentrated in Northwest Arkansas (Benton County #1, Washington County #2, Madison County #5) employing 174,871 workers at $57,100 average annual wages in year-round climate-controlled facilities raising broilers, turkeys (27M birds, #3 nationally), and producing eggs (3.9B, #7 nationally). **Soybean farms** produce record 166 million bushels on 3+ million acres ($1.635B value) concentrated in Delta counties (Jackson, Poinsett, Lawrence, Lonoke, Cross) with record 55 bushel/acre yields, planting April-May and harvesting September-November. **Cotton farms** rank #3 nationally with 1.75 million bales on 650,000 acres (up 27% from 2023) achieving record 1,313 lbs/acre yields in Mississippi, Craighead, Lee, Clay, and Desha counties, planting April-early May and harvesting September-November. **Cattle ranches** operate 23,385 farms (54% of Arkansas farms, #11 nationally) managing herds valued at $600 million with all-time high 2024 prices, distributed statewide with concentration in northwestern and western regions. **Catfish aquaculture** ranks #3 nationally ($23.1M, 6.5% U.S. total) on 3,000 acres, while crawfish farming provides seasonal spring products. **Forestry operations** rank #3 nationally for economic impact ($6.5B, #1 in South) as 2nd most timber-dependent economy in nation, employing 50,803 workers (26,778 direct) with $1.7B annual payroll in timber harvesting, sawmills (10,507 employees in solid woods products), and pulp/paper production. **Specialty operations** include nursery/greenhouse ($50M), berries ($7M on 389 farms, 1,079 acres including 197 blueberry farms), vegetables ($68.9M including melons, potatoes, sweet potatoes), and organic farms (107 certified operations, up from 82 in 2021).
Getting Started with Farm Work in Arkansas
Entry-level farm positions in Arkansas center on the state's dominant rice and poultry sectors alongside diverse row crop and livestock opportunities. **Rice farming employment** concentrates in the Delta region and Grand Prairie with peak seasonal hiring during planting (March-April) and harvest (August-October) across 1.43 million acres producing 50% of U.S. rice. Job seekers should target Jackson County (#1 rice producer, 112,000+ acres, Newport hub), Poinsett County (134,944 acres, Marked Tree area), Arkansas County (117,675 acres, Stuttgart "Rice and Duck Capital of the World"), Cross County (106,254 acres), Lawrence County (99,480 acres), and Lonoke County. Rice operations provide equipment operator positions, field workers, irrigation specialists, and harvest crews with H-2A wages of $14.83/hour (2025), increasing to skill-based rates of $13.40-16.18/hour starting October 2025. **Poultry industry employment** offers year-round positions across 6,500+ farms in Northwest Arkansas (Benton, Washington, Madison counties) with 174,871 jobs averaging $57,100 annually in broiler production ($3.971B sector), turkey operations (27M birds), and egg facilities (3.9B eggs). Major employment centers include Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, Fayetteville, and Bella Vista. **Soybean and cotton harvest jobs** peak September-November across 3+ million soybean acres (record 166M bushels) and 650,000 cotton acres (1.75M bales) in Delta counties (Mississippi, Craighead, Lee, Clay, Desha). **Cattle ranch positions** exist year-round on 23,385 farms (54% of state farms) statewide with $600 million industry value. **Catfish aquaculture** employs workers on 3,000 acres (#3 nationally) in Delta region. **Forestry jobs** span 50,803 positions ($1.7B payroll, #3 nationally for impact) in timber harvesting, sawmills, and wood products across southern Arkansas (Texarkana, El Dorado, Magnolia, Pine Bluff). No previous farm experience required for entry-level positions—employers provide on-the-job training in rice planting/harvesting, poultry facility operations, equipment operation, and livestock care. Major employment regions include Delta (eastern Arkansas: Jonesboro, West Memphis, Blytheville, Helena-West Helena for row crops), Northwest Arkansas (Bentonville/Springdale corridor for poultry), Central Arkansas (Little Rock, Conway, Benton), and South Arkansas (timber/forestry). The Arkansas Human Development Corporation coordinates National Farmworker Jobs Program services providing housing assistance, medical care, emergency support, nutritional aid, and childcare. Federal programs offer $48 million for farmworker housing (on-farm and off-farm). Arkansas Department of Agriculture, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Extension, and Arkansas Farm Bureau provide resources and job connections. Growing sectors include organic agriculture (107 farms, up from 82 in 2021) and specialty crops (berries, vegetables, nursery operations) creating diversified opportunities beyond traditional rice and poultry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are farm worker wages in Arkansas?
Arkansas farm workers earn competitive wages with H-2A agricultural workers receiving $14.83/hour as of 2025 (shared rate with Louisiana and Mississippi), representing significant growth from $10.10/hour in 2016. Starting October 2025, a new skill-based wage system will offer $13.40/hour for entry-level farmworkers (Skill Level 1) and $16.18/hour for experienced roles requiring certifications, training, or specialized duties (Skill Level 2), though U.S. workers must still be paid the full Adverse Effect Wage Rate. The poultry industry—Arkansas's largest agricultural employer with 174,871 jobs—offers substantially higher compensation averaging $57,100 annually in wages and benefits for broiler production positions in Northwest Arkansas (Benton, Washington, Madison counties), providing year-round climate-controlled employment in a $6.7 billion sector representing 53% of state agricultural receipts. Rice farming, soybean harvesting, and cotton operations employ seasonal workers during peak planting (March-April) and harvest (August-November) periods across the Delta region's 1.43 million rice acres (50% of U.S. production), 3+ million soybean acres, and 650,000 cotton acres. Forestry operations (#3 nationally for economic impact at $6.5 billion) provide $1.7 billion in annual payroll across 50,803 jobs with solid woods products employees numbering 10,507. Federal support includes $48 million in farmworker housing funding (on-farm and off-farm) and comprehensive services through the National Farmworker Jobs Program coordinated by Arkansas Human Development Corporation, offering housing assistance, medical care, emergency support, nutritional aid, and childcare to help workers stabilize employment. The 235,000+ jobs supported by Arkansas agriculture span diverse sectors from rice fields to poultry facilities to timber operations, creating year-round and seasonal opportunities across the state's 37,756 farms.
Why is Arkansas the #1 rice state in America?
Arkansas produces approximately 50% of all rice grown in the United States—no other state comes close to this market dominance in a single commodity. The state harvested 1.43 million acres of rice in 2024, achieving a state-record yield of 169.8 bushels per acre (7,640 lbs/acre) and generating $1.332 billion in production value plus $682 million in rice exports (#1 nationally). Arkansas rice farming centers in the Grand Prairie region (500,000+ acres of natural grassland between Arkansas and White rivers in south-central Arkansas) where cultivation began in the early 1900s and rapidly expanded into the Mississippi Delta and Arkansas Valley, making eastern Arkansas synonymous with American rice production. The state's unique combination of factors creates ideal rice-growing conditions: fertile alluvial soils in the Delta region, abundant water historically from Sparta and Mississippi River Valley Alluvial aquifers (though conservation now critical as some areas 70-90% depleted), warm humid climate with 180-210 frost-free days (zones 7a-8b), and flat terrain enabling large-scale mechanized production. Stuttgart, Arkansas earned the title "Rice and Duck Capital of the World" as the cultural and commercial center of the industry. Top rice-producing counties include Jackson (#1 with 112,000+ acres in 2024), Poinsett (134,944 acres historically), Arkansas (117,675 acres), Cross (106,254 acres), Lawrence (99,480 acres), and Lonoke. Arkansas farmers lead innovation through zero-grade farming techniques conserving 20 inches of water per acre, transition from long-grain to medium-grain varieties adapting to seed availability, and advanced water management responding to aquifer depletion concerns. The state's rice heritage extends beyond production to processing, research (University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture), and cultural identity, with rice farming representing 42.2% of Arkansas agricultural income and employing thousands during March-April planting and August-October harvest seasons. Despite 2024 challenges including Hurricane Francine affecting one-third of the crop and potential record-low milling yields, Arkansas maintains uncontested leadership in American rice production.
What makes working in Arkansas rice fields unique?
Working in Arkansas rice fields offers distinctive agricultural experiences in America's undisputed rice capital producing 50% of U.S. rice across 1.43 million acres with state-record 169.8 bushel/acre yields (7,640 lbs/acre). Rice farming operates on a completely different scale than most row crops: fields are precision-leveled for controlled flooding (though zero-grade farming now conserves 20 inches of water per acre), requiring specialized knowledge of water management, levee maintenance, and flood irrigation systems unique to rice cultivation. Workers participate in planting operations (March-April) using specialized rice drills and airplanes for seeding, manage water levels throughout the growing season, monitor fields for pests and diseases, and operate combines during harvest (August-October) in conditions ranging from ideal to challenging (2024 Hurricane Francine affected one-third of crop still in fields). The Grand Prairie region (500,000+ acres between Arkansas and White rivers) and Delta counties offer immersive experiences in large-scale mechanized agriculture where family farms average 363 acres but rice operations often span hundreds to thousands of acres. Employment centers in Jackson County (#1 rice producer, 112,000+ acres, Newport area), Poinsett County (Marked Tree), Arkansas County (Stuttgart "Rice and Duck Capital of the World"), Cross, Lawrence, and Lonoke counties, where entire communities' economies revolve around rice production, processing, and export ($682M annually, #1 nationally). The work connects to over a century of rice farming heritage since early 1900s, with Stuttgart serving as cultural center hosting rice festivals and industry events. Workers gain skills in GPS-guided equipment operation, precision agriculture technologies, irrigation management, and understanding global rice markets (Arkansas rice exports to dozens of countries). Seasonal intensity creates focused employment windows: planting demands (March-April) require quick, efficient field preparation and seeding before optimal windows close, while harvest (August-October) involves long hours maximizing yield quality before weather degrades crop. The industry's innovation leadership—zero-grade farming, variety development, water conservation in response to aquifer depletion (70-90% depleted in critical areas)—places workers at the forefront of sustainable agriculture adaptation. H-2A wages of $14.83/hour (2025) with new skill-based rates ($13.40-16.18/hour starting October 2025) plus housing support make rice farming competitive with year-round sectors while offering authentic connection to Arkansas agricultural identity.
Where are the main farming areas in Arkansas?
Arkansas agriculture divides into distinct regional specializations with the Delta and Northwest dominating production. **The Arkansas Delta** (eastern Arkansas) serves as the powerhouse for row crop agriculture producing rice, soybeans, and cotton across some of America's most fertile farmland. Top Delta counties include Jackson County (#1 rice producer, 112,000+ acres in 2024, Newport hub), Mississippi County (cotton, soybeans, peanuts, Blytheville/Osceola), Poinsett County (rice 134,944 acres, soybeans, Marked Tree), Craighead County (cotton, peanuts, Jonesboro metro), Arkansas County (rice 117,675 acres, Stuttgart "Rice and Duck Capital of the World"), Cross County (rice 106,254 acres, soybeans), Lawrence County (rice 99,480 acres, soybeans), Lonoke County (rice, soybeans), Lee County (cotton, peanuts), Clay County (cotton, rice, soybeans), Desha County (cotton), and Phillips County (mixed row crops, Helena-West Helena). **The Grand Prairie region** (500,000+ acres of natural grassland between Arkansas and White rivers in south-central Arkansas) represents the historic heart of American rice production since early 1900s, rapidly expanding into Delta and Arkansas Valley to establish eastern Arkansas as synonymous with rice farming—this region alone produces substantial portion of the 50% U.S. market share. **Northwest Arkansas** (Benton, Washington, Madison counties) concentrates poultry production with Benton County ranking #1 statewide and Washington County #2 for poultry and eggs, employing 174,871 workers across 6,500+ farms in the Bentonville/Rogers/Springdale/Fayetteville/Bella Vista corridor producing $6.7 billion in broilers ($3.971B), turkeys (27M birds), and eggs (3.9B). **South Arkansas** (Miller, Union, Ashley, Bradley counties) specializes in timber and forestry operations ranking #3 nationally for economic impact ($6.5B, #1 in South) with major employment in Texarkana, El Dorado, Magnolia, and Pine Bluff supporting 50,803 jobs. **Central Arkansas** (Pulaski, Faulkner, Saline counties around Little Rock, Conway, Benton) features diversified agriculture including cattle ranching, specialty crops, and mixed farming. **Cattle ranching** distributes across 23,385 farms statewide (54% of Arkansas farms) with concentration in northwestern and western regions. This geographic diversity creates specialized employment opportunities: Delta rice/soybean/cotton workers (March-April planting, August-November harvest), Northwest Arkansas year-round poultry jobs ($57,100 average), South Arkansas forestry positions, and statewide cattle operations—enabling workers to target regions matching their skills and seasonal preferences within Arkansas's $14 billion agriculture industry supporting 235,000+ jobs.
Is housing provided on Arkansas farms?
Many Arkansas farms provide housing for agricultural workers, particularly during peak planting and harvest seasons, with substantial federal support enhancing availability. The USDA allocated $48 million in 2024 specifically for farmworker housing construction and repairs (both on-farm and off-farm facilities) with application deadlines in June-July 2024, aiming to ensure year-round and seasonal domestic farmworkers have safe, modern, affordable housing. H-2A employers are federally required to provide housing meeting safety and health standards for temporary agricultural workers earning $14.83/hour (2025 rate, increasing to skill-based $13.40-16.18/hour starting October 2025). The National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP), coordinated by Arkansas Human Development Corporation (AHDC), provides comprehensive housing assistance on a reimbursement basis alongside medical assistance, emergency support, nutritional aid, and childcare services to help farmworkers stabilize employment in agriculture. Housing availability varies by sector and region: rice operations in the Delta (Jackson, Poinsett, Arkansas, Cross, Lawrence, Lonoke counties) often provide seasonal housing during March-April planting and August-October harvest for workers managing 1.43 million acres (50% of U.S. rice production); poultry facilities in Northwest Arkansas (Benton, Washington, Madison counties) may offer housing or housing assistance for the 174,871 workers in year-round positions averaging $57,100 annually; large cotton and soybean operations provide accommodations during September-November harvest across 3+ million soybean acres and 650,000 cotton acres. Challenges include seasonal demand fluctuations (180-210 frost-free days creating concentrated planting/harvest windows), rural locations with limited housing stock in counties like Jackson (112,000+ rice acres) and Poinsett, and the need for both permanent facilities for year-round workers and temporary accommodations for seasonal crews. The combination of federal funding ($48M for housing construction/repairs), NFJP assistance programs, and employer-provided housing creates a support network, though workers should inquire about specific housing arrangements during job applications as quality and availability vary by operation size—larger commercial rice farms, poultry integrators, and established operations typically offer more structured accommodations than smaller family farms.
What are the agricultural seasons in Arkansas?
Arkansas agricultural seasons create year-round and seasonal employment opportunities across diverse commodities in zones 7a-8b with 180-210 frost-free days. **Year-round operations** include poultry production (174,871 jobs, $6.7B sector) in Northwest Arkansas climate-controlled facilities raising broilers ($3.971B), turkeys (27M birds), and producing eggs (3.9B), plus cattle ranching on 23,385 farms (54% of state farms, $600M value) and forestry operations (50,803 jobs, $6.5B impact). **Early Spring** (March-April): Rice planting season begins across 1.43 million acres (50% of U.S. production) in Grand Prairie and Delta regions—critical window for field preparation, precision leveling, seeding via drills and aircraft, and establishing flood irrigation in Jackson County (112,000+ acres), Poinsett, Arkansas, Cross, Lawrence, and Lonoke counties. Corn planting occurs simultaneously on 620,000 acres. **Late Spring** (April-May): Soybean planting spans 3+ million acres across Delta counties, cotton planting covers 650,000 acres (up 27% from 2023), rice fields managed through growing season with water level monitoring. **Summer** (June-August): Rice fields require ongoing irrigation management and pest monitoring, corn harvest begins (July-September), early soybean harvest starts, hay cutting produces feed for livestock, berry harvest on 389 farms (1,079 acres), and timber operations continue year-round. **Fall** (August-November): Peak agricultural employment season—rice harvest (August-October) employing combines across 1.43 million acres achieving state-record 169.8 bushel/acre yields (2024 Hurricane Francine affected one-third of crop, creating challenging conditions), soybean harvest (September-November) gathering record 166 million bushels from 3+ million acres, cotton harvest (September-November) collecting 1.75 million bales with record 1,313 lbs/acre yields, catfish harvest from 3,000 acres ($23.1M, #3 nationally). **Winter** (December-February): Reduced field activity with winter wheat planted on 135,000 acres (down 41% from 230,000 in 2023), equipment maintenance and repair, poultry operations maintain full year-round employment, cattle operations continue daily care, forestry harvesting ($6.5B sector), and planning for spring planting. The seasonal intensity creates employment patterns: rice workers transition March-April planting → summer field monitoring → August-October harvest; poultry provides consistent year-round positions ($57,100 average); Delta row crop workers combine rice → soybean → cotton sequential harvests (August-November); forestry offers year-round employment (50,803 jobs, $1.7B payroll). Workers can establish extended seasonal employment by combining operations or transition to year-round poultry/cattle/forestry positions, with H-2A wages ($14.83/hour 2025, skill-based $13.40-16.18/hour starting October 2025) and housing support enabling stable agricultural careers across Arkansas's $14 billion industry supporting 235,000+ jobs.
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