Mississippi sweet potato growers are reporting smaller yields this year as dry weather and limited irrigation have impacted production across key regions. By mid-October, around 70% of the crop had been harvested, with root sizes generally smaller than in 2024, according to the Mississippi State University Extension Service.
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Lorin Harvey, Extension sweet potato specialist at the Pontotoc Ridge-Flatwoods Branch Experiment Station, said this year's yields are 20% to 30% below last season. "We definitely had a bumper crop last year, and this year will end up being below average. Several operations have reported a 20% to 30% drop in yield compared to last year's crop," Harvey said.
Weather conditions were the main challenge. Wet conditions delayed planting, followed by a prolonged dry spell in many areas. Some regions experienced more than 70 consecutive days without rain. The Delta weather station near Houston recorded just 6.5 inches of rain since the end of June, compared with a historical average of about 15 inches for the same period.
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Only 10% to 15% of the state's 32,000 acres of sweet potatoes are irrigated, mainly around Charleston and Coffeeville. While acreage rose slightly from last year, the lack of rainfall limited crop size and overall marketable weight. "The root numbers and quality are there, but the potatoes are very small. Small size reduces their value. Plus, sweet potatoes are sold by weight. Smaller potatoes mean there is less weight overall of the crop to sell," Harvey said.
Insect and disease pressures were within normal levels, and high heat was less of a concern than the drought. Harvest progress is about 10 days behind schedule as growers wait for moisture to help bulk up late-season roots. Harvest began in late August and is expected to finish in early November.
Caleb Englert, president of both the Mississippi and U.S. Sweet Potato Councils, said growers are under financial pressure. "Just like any farmers out there, they're feeling the pressure from the banks, the crops, and the low prices," Englert said. "Some growers are throwing Hail Marys, hoping to live to fight another year."
Despite political debate around farm labor, he added that Mississippi producers using the H2A program have avoided disruptions. "We go through the right channels. It's too much of a risk to run and not do it the right way," he said.
Wholesale prices for U.S. No. 1 Mississippi sweet potatoes were reported at US$27 per 40-pound carton as of October 14, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, growers receive a lower farm-gate price.
Agricultural economist Will Maples noted that prices began high due to North Carolina's hurricane-related crop losses in 2024 but have since softened as the Mississippi harvest progressed.
For more information:
Dr. Lorin Harvey
Mississippi State University
Tel: +1 662 325 3226
Email: [email protected]
www.extension.msstate.edu
