Mississippi’s sweet potato industry is bracing for a challenging year as growers confront reduced yields, financial pressure, and unpredictable weather. With expectations of a below-average sweet potato crop, industry leaders warn that many farmers are facing one of their hardest seasons in recent memory.
Growers Under Pressure as Yields Drop
Leadership Perspective
Caleb Englert, who serves as president of both the Mississippi Sweet Potato Council and the U.S. Sweet Potato Council, understands the strain farmers are experiencing. He explains that growers are battling low market prices, tight production margins, and bank pressure.
“Farmers are really feeling the weight of this season,” Englert shared. “Some are taking long-shot chances just to make it through another year. When labor costs rise, inputs increase, and the weather goes against you, you have to celebrate any win—no matter how small.”
Dependable Labor Through H2A
Englert farms roughly 150 acres of sweet potatoes in Chickasaw County, Mississippi. Despite national debates over immigrant labor, he said Mississippi growers have avoided disruptions because they rely on the H2A program, which provides legal agricultural workers.
“We follow the correct procedures,” he said. “Cutting corners is far too risky, especially in this kind of market.”
Harvest Update: Smaller Potatoes, Lower Weight
Progress of the 2025 Harvest
According to Lorin Harvey, sweet potato specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, about 70% of the state’s crop had been harvested by mid-October. However, the potatoes are notably smaller than normal, reducing the total pounds produced per acre.
Harvey reports that many farms have seen yields fall 20% to 30% compared to last year’s bumper crop.
Weather Challenges from Start to Finish
The difficulties began early in the planting season. Weeks of heavy rain caused delays, followed by an extended 70-day drought in several regions. With no irrigation available for most farms, the crop struggled.
“You simply can’t grow a solid crop when you go that long without rain,” Harvey said.
Historical rainfall data tells the story:
- The MSU Delta weather station near Houston recorded 6.5 inches of rain since late June.
- Typically, that period brings around 15 inches of rainfall.
Only 10% to 15% of Mississippi’s sweet potato acres—mostly near Charleston and Coffeeville—have irrigation support.
This year, farmers planted around 32,000 acres, an increase of about 1,000 acres compared to 2024.
While root numbers appear normal, the potatoes themselves are smaller, which lowers value because sweet potatoes are sold by weight.
Pest Pressure and Late Harvest Timing
Pests and Heat Plays Smaller Role
Harvey noted that insect and disease pressures were average, and even the year’s high heat did not cause as much harm as the ongoing drought.
Farmers Delay Harvest in Hope of Rain
This year’s harvest is running 10 days behind schedule, as many growers waited for even a small amount of rain to help vines bulk up the crop.
- First fields were harvested in late August
- Harvest is expected to finish in the first week of November
Once harvest ends, growers rush to wash and prepare potatoes for their prime selling window.
Thanksgiving Demand and Price Trends
Seasonal Sales and Storage
The largest portion of Mississippi’s sweet potatoes is sold during the Thanksgiving season. Unwashed sweet potatoes can be stored safely for up to one year, allowing farmers to time their sales strategically.
Harvey explained that the goal is always to finish selling last year’s stock just as the new crop comes in.
Prices Start High, Then Decline
Although this year’s potatoes are smaller, early-season prices were strong. This was largely due to North Carolina’s devastating sweet potato loss in 2024, caused by Hurricane Helene. Prices began to drop once Mississippi’s harvest entered the market this fall.