#Plant26: Mississippi Farmers Navigate Drought Conditions and Rising Costs as Planting Season Kicks Off

Farmer Jeffry Mitchell with the Mississippi Farm Bureau joins us for a spring planting update from the southeast region as drought, input costs, and fertilizer access complicate crop progress.

CARY, MISS. (RFD NEWS)Mixed weather patterns and fluctuating input costs are shaping planting decisions this season, as farmers across the country work to get crops in the ground. We turn now to Mississippi for a regional update as progress ramps up.

Farmer Jeffry Mitchell, a multigenerational farmer with the Mississippi Farm Bureau, joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to share what he’s seeing on the ground and share more about his operation and how long he and his family have been involved in agriculture.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Mitchell provides an update on planting progress in his area, noting how recent weather patterns—including any drought concerns—are impacting fieldwork. He also compares this season to previous years and whether conditions have been more or less favorable so far.

Mitchell also addresses input challenges, including whether fertilizer needs were secured ahead of recent global tensions and how fluctuating prices or availability may be affecting local operations. He also highlights any unexpected hurdles farmers are encountering as planting continues.

Looking ahead, Mitchell shares his outlook for the growing season and what he’s hearing from other producers across the region, offering insight into whether conditions and concerns are consistent throughout Mississippi.

Related Stories
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences recently opened its newest research and education center, once operated by the USDA.
Researchers in Florida are a step closer to finding a possible cure for citrus canker.
If a farmer wants his tobacco to go from the curing barn to the sale barn, there’s only one way to get the crop ready.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Randall Hank Williams, better known by his professional name Hank Williams Jr. or Bocephus, is the son of country music legend and icon Hank Williams.
Bookmark RFD-TV’s Winter Produce Guide list to have on hand whenever you hit your local grocery store, farmers market, or CSA to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables all season long!
Fall is one of the best times of the year when it comes to seasonal produce! Save this list to have on hand for harvest season when you hit your local grocery store, farmers market, or CSA!
Zachary Lane Bryan, aka Zach Bryan, is an American singer-songwriter from Oologah, Oklahoma. Bryan has taken the country music scene by storm since his rise to fame over the last three years.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.