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Mississippi’s ag industry surpasses challenges in 2024

Mississippi’s ag industry surpasses challenges in 2024
Dec 23, 2024
By Farms.com

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


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