#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
Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and Kansas congressman Dan Glickman joined RFD News to share his outlook on agricultural policy, bipartisan cooperation, and the challenges facing farmers today.
Weather remains the primary driver for wheat price outlook.
Acre reporting is crucial to maximize specialty crop aid.
For producers, success this season will require more than just a clean field; it will require meticulous record-keeping, a proactive written mitigation plan, and a constant eye on both the forecast and the federal docket.
Tidal Grow’s AlignN delivers encapsulated nitrogen to leaves, boosting in-season response, yield gains, and farm profits.
Katie Keener with the National Women in Agriculture Association joins us to celebrate women in agriculture and spotlight programs and initiatives aimed at empowering female producers across the country.

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:

At Commodity Classic in San Antonio, growers explore new herbicide options, John Deere’s latest 8 Series tractors, and cutting-edge ag technology shaping the 2026 planting season. Here are some of RFD NEWS’ highlights from the event so far.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer provided insight on updated PLC rate estimates, the role of base acres, and the upcoming enrollment window for ARC and PLC programs.
Farm Bureau economist Danny Munch explains the importance of timely enrollment, and how the program helps dairy producers safeguard their operations against volatile milk markets.
National FFA Annual Fund Manager Kimberly Coveney encouraged everyone watching to join the effort today and help celebrate Give FFA Day while investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Tennessee FFA officers join us in the RFD-TV Studios to showcase student leadership and inspire support for agricultural education on Give FFA Day 2026.
National FFA President Trey Myers shares the significance of Give FFA Day, its role in supporting student growth, and how communities can join the celebration to make a difference for future agricultural leaders.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Farm Traveler is for people who want to connect with their food and those who grow it. Thanks to direct-to-consumer businesses, agritourism, and social media, it’s now easier than ever to learn how our food is made and support local farmers. Here on the Farm Traveler, we want to connect you with businesses offering direct-to-consumer products you can try at home, agritourism sites you can visit with your family, and exciting new technologies that are changing how your food is being grown.