JACKSON, MISS. (RFD NEWS) — Fall harvest is moving quickly across Mississippi, but strong yields may not be enough to offset rising production costs for farmers.
Mississippi Farm Bureau President Mike McCormick joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report with a harvest update from his state.
Harvest Moving Quickly in Mississippi
In his interview with RFD News, McCormick said dry conditions have helped producers make steady progress statewide.
Corn harvest is nearly complete, while soybeans and rice are moving quickly as well. Cotton is further behind because it was planted later in the season.
McCormick said Mississippi could see above-average yields for most crops this year.
Margins Pressured by High Input Costs
However, he said producers are still facing financial pressure from higher input costs, particularly diesel.
“We could do a really good job in farming, but at the end of the year, do not have enough money to pay the crop loans back,” McCormick said.
He said diesel costs are also a concern as farmers prepare for fall tillage and plan next year’s production expenses.
McCormick said loggers are also feeling the impact of higher fuel costs as they work to move timber to manufacturing facilities.
A Mixed Picture Across Agriculture
McCormick said the state’s agricultural economy is showing different trends by sector.
Livestock producers are benefiting from historically high cattle prices, although he said those prices have declined from recent highs.
At the same time, row-crop farmers and loggers face higher costs and tighter margins.
“It’s sort of the best tale of two cities on agricultural production here in the state of Mississippi,” McCormick said.
Watching Fuel Costs After Harvest
As harvest winds down, McCormick said some farmers may delay grain transportation decisions while they watch diesel prices.
He said market indicators suggest fuel prices could begin to ease, giving some producers reason to wait before moving grain.
