Some winter wheat is grown as a cash crop. Other small grains, grain sorghum, alfalfa, and other hay are the major crops. These crops are also grown on small irrigated areas along the Arkansas River. These dissected limestone and shale uplands have narrow divides and narrow steep-sided valleys. Only a few large streams have a significant area of flood plain.
Local relief is commonly in meters or tens of meters.
Average annual precipitation - 750 to 900 mm. Maximum precipitation is from midspring through early autumn. Annual snowfall averages 35 to 50 cm. The moderate precipitation provides water for pastures and crops. Much of the water for livestock is stored in small reservoirs and ponds.