Mississippi row crop farmers battled elevated production costs and low commodity prices in 2025, resulting in a challenging year for profitability, according to a report by Mississippi State University Extension agricultural economist Will Maples. The estimated value of production for row crops, including hay, peanuts, sweet potatoes, wheat and specialty crops, fell about 9% to $2.5 billion from 2024.
Soybeans remained the state’s most profitable row crop but saw a 24% drop in value to $1.02 billion, driven largely by a nearly 500,000-acre reduction in harvested acres to 1.79 million — the lowest since 2019. Many producers shifted acreage to corn, which expanded sharply to 880,000 acres, up 87% from 470,000 acres in 2024. Corn’s estimated value rose 82% to $619 million despite lower prices averaging $4 per bushel, down from $4.24 in 2024, leaving many growers unprofitable.
Cotton faced a tough market with acreage at its lowest since 2015, 325,000 acres, and a 32% drop in value to $266 million. Weak global demand and ongoing trade tensions weighed heavily on prices, which averaged 60 cents per pound, below sustainable profitability levels. Despite a 10% yield increase, many growers struggled to turn a profit.
Rice production saw a 26% decline in value to $125 million due to lower prices and yield challenges. Acres rose slightly to 161,000, but yields dropped amid adverse conditions.
Other crops showed mixed results: hay value declined 4%, peanuts fell 17%, while sweet potatoes and specialty crops saw modest gains. Wheat value increased 34% to $13 million.
The 2025 season underscored the ongoing economic pressures Mississippi row crop farmers face amid shifting markets and weather challenges.
