Mississippi agriculture shows growth in key sectors
Mississippi’s agriculture industry continues to thrive with a projected value of $9 billion for 2024, despite a slight dip in row crop prices. The state's top agricultural sector, poultry, saw a significant rise of 10.5%, valued at $3.8 billion. The increase in broiler production, which reached an estimated 731 million chickens, has driven this growth, with projections indicating a potential $4 billion production value in the next few years.
Forestry remains the second-largest sector at $1.5 billion, staying steady from 2023. Soybeans, although ranked third, experienced a 22% decrease in value due to lower prices, despite similar acreage being planted. Livestock, including beef and dairy cattle, and hogs, brought in $578 million, a 14% increase over 2023.
Cotton, Mississippi's second-most valuable row crop, saw a 34% increase, reaching a value of $496 million due to expanded acreage. Cotton production yielded 1,118 pounds of lint per acre, benefiting from favorable weather conditions in the Delta. Meanwhile, corn experienced a significant 50% decrease in value due to reduced acreage and lower prices.
In the catfish industry, Mississippi remains the national leader, though production fell by 18%. Other commodities, such as hay, rice, and peanuts, saw modest increases. Notably, rice production gained 20%, driven by more acreage.
In addition, Mississippi’s farmers received $214 million in government payments in 2024, a 19.5% drop from 2023. These payments support agricultural safety net programs, helping to stabilize the farming economy.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-wikoski