#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.

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The lower outlook follows months of drought stress across major winter wheat regions, where some producers have abandoned fields or shifted acres to grazing instead of harvest.

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.

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