Last week your Clarksdale Press Register published its annual Compass edition where we give you information that hopefully helps you figure out which way our world is heading.
One of the traditional articles we publish in that edition is a report on agri-business in the Magnolia State. It is compiled by Mississippi State University Extension Service. We can think of no other institution that can give you a better understanding of the facts and figures that influence agriculture in this state.
And the numbers were telling.
Mississippi’s agriculture industry remains vibrant with an overall production value estimated at $9 billion.
Poultry was again the No. 1 sector of the agricultural industry with a value of $3.8 billion, up 10.5% from 2023.
Forestry holds second place with a $1.5 billion value, holding steady from 2023.
Soybeans ranked third with a value of $1.3 billion. Although soybean yield are expected to tie last year’s record at 56 bushels per acre, the crop saw a 22% drop in value from last year.
Cotton ranked fourth at 496.1 million but like soybeans was hit by high production costs and a poor market.
We excel in two of those commodities around here and while most in Coahoma County had good yields, inflation and poor prices for their product hit hard.
The story talked about the value of irrigation, advancing science, improved genetics and better crop management practices. We also had a multi-million-dollar six-row cotton picker on the front. Most salespeople around here work on some form or commission and we wonder what the commission is when you sell a cotton picker?
Your Clarksdale Press Register says all this to remind our readers that Agri-Business is our only major industry. We have no large factories, distribution centers or thriving retail in this part of The Delta.
And it is now that time of year when producers gear up for another cycle of plowing, planting and praying for weather and prices that will allow them to produce another profitable crop.
We hope Clarksdale always realizes when Ag prospers, this community thrives.
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