Mississippi’s agriculture industry is showing growth in key sectors, with a projected value of $9 billion for 2024. The state’s top sector, poultry, saw a significant rise of 10.5% to $3.8 billion, driven by increased broiler production. Forestry remained steady at $1.5 billion, while soybeans experienced a 22% decrease in value. Livestock brought in $578 million, a 14% increase from 2023. Cotton saw a 34% increase to $496 million, benefiting from expanded acreage and favorable weather conditions. On the other hand, corn experienced a significant 50% decrease in value due to reduced acreage and lower prices. Mississippi remains the national leader in catfish production, despite an 18% decrease. Other commodities, such as hay, rice, and peanuts, saw modest increases, with rice production gaining 20% due to expanded acreage. Government payments to farmers in 2024 totaled $214 million, a 19.5% drop from the previous year, supporting agricultural safety net programs. These developments showcase the resilience and diversity of Mississippi’s agriculture industry, despite challenges in certain sectors.
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