By Bonnie Coblentz
Corn was the row crop with the state’s biggest increase, posting a 2025 estimated value of production at $619 million based on a sharp expansion in acreage.
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Most row crop farmers battled elevated production costs which, when coupled with low commodity prices, made profitability challenging in 2025.
Will Maples, agricultural economist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said the estimated value of production for crops in 2025 is $2.51 billion, down about 9% from 2024 values. This crops category includes traditional row crops, along with hay, peanuts, sweet potatoes, wheat and specialty crops.
Soybeans remain the state’s most profitable row crop. An estimated value of soybean production in 2025 is $1.02 billion, down 24% from the $1.33 billion value in 2024.
“This decline was driven largely by a significant acreage reduction, as soybean harvested acres dropped by nearly 500,000 from the previous year,” Maples said.
Soybean acreage fell below the 2-million-acre mark for the first time since 2019 as state producers harvested 1.79 million acres in 2025. The acres the soybean crop lost went to corn.
“Many producers shifted away from soybeans during spring planting, responding to stronger, though unfortunately still negative, expected returns for corn and increased uncertainty surrounding soybean trade prospects,” Maples said.
Justin Calhoun, Extension soybean specialist, said yields were similar to last year for an estimated 55 bushels an acre.
“Reduced acreage and poor conditions throughout the season for most of the state had growers worried about yield,” Calhoun said.
Because of its positive market outlook, corn saw a sharp expansion in acreage. Mississippi producers are estimated to harvest 880,000 acres in 2025, compared to 470,000 acres in 2024.
Corn posted a 2025 estimated value of production at $619 million, up 82% from 2024.
Because of its positive market outlook, corn saw a sharp expansion in acreage -- the second highest acreage since 1960. Mississippi producers are estimated to harvest 880,000 acres in 2025, compared to 470,000 acres in 2024. Average yields were up, but prices were lower.
“The corn market had a more positive outlook in the spring relative to soybeans and cotton,” Maples said. “However, producers nationwide also expanded corn acreage, resulting in a record corn production level in 2025. The resulting large supply has weighed heavily on the market and pushed prices below 2024 levels.”
Source : msstate.edu