Crops

Mississippi’s diverse soils, abundant rainfall, and moderate climate allow producers to plant a wide variety of agricultural crops. From iconic cotton to cutting-edge energy crops for biofuels, MSU scientists support the state’s agricultural commodities in a variety of ways.

Extension agents and specialists address growers’ immediate needs and challenges and help producers use university-based research to determine the most efficient production methods, best management practices, and most effective seed varieties for their unique needs.

For the most up-to-date information on the state’s agricultural crops, visit the Mississippi Crop Situation blog.

Publications

Publication Number: P3337

Soybean Seed Quality Results for MG IV Varieties from the 2018 On-Farm Variety Demonstration

Publication Number: P3362

Marigolds (Tagetes erecta) for the Farmer Florist

Publication Number: P3197

Traditional Vegetables 2018 Planning Budgets

Publication Number: P1861

Greenhouse Tomatoes: Pest Management in Mississippi

Publication Number: P3344

2018 MSU Extension Soybean Variety Demonstration Program

Four large, ripe watermelons lie among vines in the field.

Watermelons gain ground as soils dry out, temps increase

June 21, 2019 - Filed Under: Watermelon Cantaloupe and Cucumber, Watermelons

Some Mississippi watermelon producers lost crops or got a late start because of wet spring weather. But consumers should find the sweet, summer treats on shelves in time for the July 4 holiday.

The rusty poles of an overhead, pivot irrigation system and a thin row of trees rise from the waves and gray floodwaters under a bleak sky.

Continued flooding keeps farmland out of production

June 20, 2019 - Filed Under: Agriculture, Crops, Corn, Cotton, Soybeans, Farming, Community, Disaster Response

Although numbers on paper look about right for Mississippi row crops, the reality is actually quite grim in places.

Rows of young rice plants sticking several inches above ground.

Wet spring weather delays rice planting

June 10, 2019 - Filed Under: Crops, Rice, Farming

STONEVILLE, Miss. -- The third week of March is usually the beginning of rice planting season in Mississippi, but fields were not dry enough to hold tractors until May in most locations.

Many growers were still scrambling to get rice in the ground by early June due to unusually high rain amounts in the first quarter of 2019. While more than 90 percent of the crop had been planted as of June 3, only 74 percent had emerged, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This is well behind the five-year average of 92 percent emerged by this date.

Yellow squash in a paper bowl sitting on a red and white checkered tablecloth.

Making the Most of In-Season Produce

June 4, 2019 - Filed Under: Fruit, Farmers Markets, Vegetable Gardens

When you visit your community farmers market, you know you're purchasing local produce in its peak season. Fruits and vegetables have more flavor and are typically less expensive when they’re in season. So, when you go to the farmers market, how do you make the most out of in-season produce? (Photo by Michaela Parker)

Two men facing each other in conversation and standing beside a tractor and equipment with a clear, blue sky overhead.

After delays, corn plunges into summer

May 15, 2019 - Filed Under: Crops, Corn

Corn producers rushed to finish planting -- or replanting -- as much as sunny weather has allowed so far in May.

Sweet potatoes in brown dirt lay in a sweet potato field with a harvest machine in the background.

Sweets in Production

Agriculture, Crops, Sweet Potatoes
Volume 5 Number 1

After growing up on a family sweet potato farm, Jamie Earp left thinking farming just wasn’t for him. (Photo by Kevin Hudson)

Where You Are

Agriculture, Crops, Corn, Community, Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Response
Volume 4 Number 3

When Calhoun County supervisors helped buy a grain bin rescue tube for their fire departments, they hoped no one would ever have to use it

A man wearing a green and white plaid shirt, blue jeans, and a brown baseball cap stands in front of a bright red machine parked inside a metal building.

Path to Progress

4-H, 4-H Livestock Program, Youth Livestock, Youth Projects, Agriculture, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Livestock, Beef
Volume 4 Number 3

Greg Chambers is one Mississippi producer who’s focused on innovating. Whether he’s growing soybeans and wheat on his Prentiss County property or raising cattle and goats on other acres, Chambers is always looking for a better, more efficient way of doing things.