Farm Jobs in Mississippi
The Magnolia State is home to some of America's most productive agricultural land. Mississippi ranks #1 nationally in catfish aquaculture (producing 54-58% of U.S. farm-raised catfish), top 5 in poultry production (738 million birds annually), #4 in cotton, and #6 in rice. The legendary Mississippi Delta region encompasses over 4 million acres of contiguous farmland—one of the largest and most productive agricultural areas in the United States. Mississippi's $9.04 billion agriculture industry, spanning 10.3 million acres and 31,290 farms, combines deep agricultural heritage with modern innovations in aquaculture, poultry production, and sustainable farming practices.
Major Cities with Farm Jobs:
0 Farm Jobs in Mississippi
No farm jobs available in Mississippi right now. Check back soon!
Browse All JobsFarm Jobs in Mississippi
Mississippi's agriculture industry generates $9.04 billion annually and employs approximately 11.4% of the state's workforce either directly or indirectly, making it the state's #1 industry. The state's 31,290 farms span 10.3 million acres, with an average farm size of 328 acres. The crown jewel of Mississippi agriculture is the Mississippi Delta region—over 4 million acres of deep alluvial soils that create one of the most productive agricultural zones in the United States. Mississippi leads the nation in catfish aquaculture, producing 54-58% of U.S. farm-raised catfish from 205 farms covering 29,900 water acres (valued at $219-258 million). Belzoni in Humphreys County is known as the "Catfish Capital of the World." Poultry is Mississippi's highest-value commodity at $2.85-3.8 billion annually, with the state ranking top 5 nationally and producing 738-757 million broilers each year. Cotton ($850,000 bales from 395,000 acres) ranks #4 nationally, maintaining Mississippi's historic "Cotton Kingdom" legacy. Soybeans have become the state's second-highest value commodity at $1+ billion (122 million bushels from 2.15 million acres), while rice production (#6 nationally) generates $100-132 million almost exclusively in the Mississippi-Yazoo Delta. The state's agricultural diversity extends to forestry (18.6 million acres producing $1.5 billion with $14.8 billion total economic impact), beef cattle (810,000 head valued at $406 million), corn ($631-675 million), hay (1.5 million tons worth $140 million), and sweet potatoes (#2 nationally in acreage, #3 in production, $82 million value—Mississippi's official state vegetable). The Delta's 220-260 frost-free days, 45-60 inches of annual precipitation, and rich alluvial soils enable exceptional crop yields and year-round production opportunities.
Why Work on Mississippi Farms?
Mississippi offers diverse agricultural employment opportunities year-round, from catfish farm operations (year-round with peak summer hiring) to fall harvest seasons for cotton, soybeans, and rice (September-October). The H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rate for Mississippi is $14.83 per hour (2025), with the state processing 6,243 H-2A petitions in 2024 from agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting employers. Many agricultural employers provide housing and meals, particularly for seasonal workers. Mississippi State University's College of Agriculture and MSU Extension Service provide statewide agricultural education, research, and technical assistance. The Delta Research and Extension Center serves as a major research facility for the region. MSU ranks #1 nationally in aquaculture research (ScholarGPS rankings) and operates multiple agricultural research stations statewide. Alcorn State University, a historically Black 1890 land-grant institution, operates the Alcorn Experiment Station (jointly established with MSU in 1970) focusing on limited resource farmers and research in small fruits (blackberries, blueberries, muscadines, strawberries) and vegetables. The USDA Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit in Washington County collaborates with both universities on cutting-edge aquaculture innovations. Mississippi's agricultural diversity enables varied career paths—from catfish farming and poultry operations to row crop production in the Delta, cattle ranching, forestry, and the state's growing organic and sustainable farming sector. The Alliance of Sustainable Farms, a statewide network of mostly Black-owned farms, recently received a $1 million USDA NRCS grant to expand from 16 to 100+ farms practicing certified organic production. The state's relatively low cost of living, combined with its rich agricultural heritage and strong mentorship culture, makes Mississippi attractive for workers seeking both agricultural careers and community connections.
Types of Farms in Mississippi
**Catfish Farms**: Mississippi is the #1 catfish-producing state nationally, a title held since the late 1980s. The state's 205 catfish farms cover 29,900 water acres and produce 54-58% of U.S. farm-raised catfish (49.9 million pounds, valued at $219-258 million). Belzoni in Humphreys County is the "Catfish Capital of the World," with major production also in Sunflower, Washington, Leflore, Yazoo, and Sharkey counties in the Delta region. Catfish farming offers year-round employment (averaging 25 employees, expanding to 30 in summer peak season) in pond management, feeding operations, harvest crews, processing plant workers, and hatchery operations. The industry pioneered modern aquaculture techniques beginning in the 1960s-1970s. The USDA Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit in Washington County advances innovation in the sector. **Poultry Operations**: Mississippi's poultry industry is the state's highest-value agricultural commodity at $2.85-3.8 billion annually, producing 738-757 million broilers each year (ranking top 5 nationally). Poultry has been Mississippi's largest income-producing agricultural commodity for 21+ years. Operations are concentrated in the hill regions of north and northeast Mississippi. Employment opportunities include growers (managing contract flocks), processing plant workers, hatchery technicians, feed mill operators, catch crews, and maintenance staff. Modern poultry houses feature automated feeding, watering, climate control, and monitoring systems. The industry offers stable year-round employment with opportunities for advancement. **Soybean Farms**: Soybeans have emerged as Mississippi's second-highest value crop at $1+ billion annually (reaching $1.6 billion in peak years), with 2.15 million acres harvested producing 122+ million bushels. Leading counties include Bolivar (most acres), Sunflower, and Washington in the Delta region. Soybean farming replaced much of Mississippi's historic cotton acreage as farmers diversified. Employment peaks during spring planting (late April-May) and fall harvest (September-October) for equipment operators, agronomists, crop scouts, grain handlers, and farm managers. The Delta's deep alluvial soils and 220-260 frost-free days create ideal soybean conditions. **Cotton Farms**: Mississippi ranks #4 nationally in cotton production with 850,000 bales harvested from 395,000 acres (valued in the hundreds of millions). Cotton maintains Mississippi's historic "Cotton Kingdom" legacy, with Greenwood historically known as the "World's Largest Inland Long Staple Cotton Market." Delta counties lead production. Employment includes spring planting crews (April-May), summer cultivation and pest management workers, cotton pickers and module builders during fall harvest (September-October), and gin workers processing harvested cotton. Cotton farming combines tradition with modern precision agriculture technology including GPS-guided equipment and variable-rate application. **Rice Farms**: Mississippi ranks #6 nationally in rice production, with 118,000-121,000 acres harvested producing 8.791 million hundredweight (valued at $100-132 million). Rice production is "almost totally limited" to the Mississippi-Yazoo Delta, with leading counties including Bolivar, Sunflower, and Washington. Rice farming requires sophisticated water management through levee systems and precision land grading. Employment includes equipment operators for land preparation and planting, irrigation specialists managing water levels, harvest crews, and grain dryers and handlers. Work is highly seasonal with spring planting and fall harvest (September-October) peaks. **Cattle Ranches**: Mississippi's 15,980 beef cattle farms maintain 810,000 head (424,000 beef cows plus replacements and 400,000+ stocker cattle) valued at $406 million. Leading counties include Scott, Jones, Tate, Hinds, and Walthall. Cattle operations offer year-round employment including ranch hands, calving crews, fence and pasture maintenance workers, hay crew (Mississippi produces 1.5 million tons of hay annually on 600,000 acres), and livestock handlers. The state's hay production (primarily Bahiagrass 45%, Bermudagrass 33%) supports the cattle industry. Mississippi's humid subtropical climate enables year-round grazing with supplemental feeding. **Forestry Operations**: Mississippi's 18.6 million acres of forestland (62% of the state's land area) generate $1.5 billion in production value and $14.8 billion in total economic impact, employing almost 200,000 people in timber-related jobs. The state has ranked 1st or 2nd nationally in forestry production value since 1988, with 36+ million tons harvested in 2023 (highest 21st century level). Over 125,000 private landowners manage forestland. Employment includes tree planters, timber cruisers, logging crews, equipment operators, forest management technicians, and mill workers. Forestry offers year-round employment with seasonal peaks during optimal harvest conditions. **Specialty Crop Farms**: Mississippi's specialty agriculture includes sweet potatoes (#2 nationally in acreage, #3 in production, $82 million value—the official state vegetable), peanuts (18,000 acres, $13-18 million), pecans, and small fruits. The Alliance of Sustainable Farms network focuses on organic production of vegetables, berries, and market crops using certified organic inputs, cover cropping, and regenerative practices. Small-scale market gardens, high-tunnel operations for year-round growing, and direct-to-consumer sales through farmers markets and CSAs are expanding. These operations offer opportunities to learn sustainable and organic farming techniques.
Getting Started with Farm Work in Mississippi
Mississippi's agricultural employment varies by sector and region. Catfish operations offer year-round work with peak summer hiring, while row crop farming (cotton, soybeans, rice, corn) features spring planting (April-May) and fall harvest (September-October) peaks. Poultry and forestry provide stable year-round employment. The Mississippi Delta region enjoys 220-260 frost-free days with optimal growing conditions from spring through fall. Top agricultural counties for job opportunities include Humphreys County (catfish capital—Belzoni has 20,600 water acres), Bolivar County (leading soybean and rice acreage), Sunflower County (catfish hatcheries, soybeans, rice), Washington County (catfish, corn leader, rice, USDA research unit), and Delta counties Leflore, Yazoo, Sharkey, Coahoma, and Issaquena. For beef cattle, focus on Scott, Jones, Tate, Hinds, and Walthall counties. Poultry operations concentrate in north and northeast Mississippi hill regions. Major agricultural hubs include Belzoni (Catfish Capital of the World in Humphreys County), Greenwood (historic cotton center, strategic Delta location served by Amtrak), Greenville (major Delta city, agricultural and trading center), Clarksdale (agricultural and trading hub), Yazoo City (Delta edge location), and Stoneville (USDA research station). These cities offer access to farm supply stores, equipment dealers, extension services, and agricultural employers. Mississippi's H-2A program processed 6,243 petitions in 2024 from agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting employers, plus 372 from wholesale trade employers, indicating strong labor demand. Average H-2A contracts run 5-6 months. Certifications that enhance employability include commercial driver's licenses (CDL) for operating grain trucks and equipment haulers, pesticide applicator licenses (required for chemical application), aquaculture management certifications, and organic certification knowledge for the growing sustainable agriculture sector. MSU Extension Service provides county-level support statewide with resources for those entering agriculture, including crop production guides, livestock management education, precision agriculture training, and farm business planning. The Delta Research and Extension Center, Alcorn Experiment Station, and USDA research facilities offer educational programs and demonstrations. Mississippi's strong agricultural heritage creates mentorship opportunities, particularly in the Delta region where farming knowledge and land stewardship practices are passed through generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are typical wages for farm jobs in Mississippi?
Mississippi agricultural wages vary by position, sector, and experience level. The H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rate for Mississippi is $14.83 per hour (effective 2025), among the lower rates nationally but tied with Arkansas and Louisiana for the region. Mississippi processed 6,243 H-2A petitions in 2024 from agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting employers, with average contract lengths of 5-6 months. Many employers provide housing and meals, particularly for seasonal workers and those in remote locations. Specialized positions such as farm managers, agronomists, aquaculture managers, and equipment operators typically earn higher wages. Year-round positions in poultry operations, catfish farms, and forestry offer stable employment with benefits. The state's relatively low cost of living stretches agricultural wages further than in many other states.
What types of farm jobs are available in Mississippi?
Mississippi offers diverse agricultural employment across multiple sectors. Catfish aquaculture (#1 nationally, 205 farms, $219-258 million) provides year-round positions in pond management, feeding operations, harvest crews, processing plants, and hatcheries. Poultry operations ($2.85-3.8 billion, 738 million birds annually) employ growers, processing plant workers, hatchery technicians, feed mill operators, and catch crews year-round. Row crop farming offers seasonal work: soybean farms (2.15 million acres, $1+ billion) need equipment operators, agronomists, and grain handlers; cotton farms (#4 nationally, 850,000 bales) hire planting crews, cultivation workers, picker operators, and gin workers; rice farms (#6 nationally) require irrigation specialists and harvest crews. Beef cattle ranches (810,000 head, $406 million) provide year-round ranch hand positions, calving crews, and hay production workers. Forestry (18.6 million acres, $14.8 billion total impact) employs loggers, equipment operators, tree planters, and forest management technicians. Specialty agriculture includes sweet potato farms (#2 nationally), organic vegetable operations, and direct-market farms.
What makes Mississippi agriculture unique?
Mississippi agriculture is distinctive for several reasons. The state is the undisputed #1 catfish producer nationally, a title held since the late 1980s, producing 54-58% of U.S. farm-raised catfish. Belzoni in Humphreys County is officially the "Catfish Capital of the World." The legendary Mississippi Delta region encompasses over 4 million acres of contiguous farmland with deep alluvial soils from the Mississippi River—one of the largest and most productive agricultural areas in the United States. Mississippi maintains its historic "Cotton Kingdom" legacy (ranking #4 nationally with 850,000 bales) while successfully diversifying: soybeans now exceed cotton acreage by more than 5-to-1 (2.15 million vs 395,000 acres). Rice production (#6 nationally) is almost entirely limited to the Delta. Sweet potatoes are the official state vegetable, with Mississippi ranking #2 nationally in acreage and #3 in production. The state's 220-260 frost-free days in the Delta enable exceptional yields. Mississippi leads in aquaculture innovation through MSU (#1 nationally in aquaculture research rankings) and the USDA Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit.
How does catfish farming work in Mississippi?
Mississippi catfish farming is a sophisticated aquaculture operation that has led the nation since the late 1980s. The state's 205 catfish farms manage 29,900 water acres of specially constructed ponds, primarily in Delta counties (Humphreys, Sunflower, Washington, Leflore, Yazoo, Sharkey). Catfish ponds typically range from 10-20 acres each and are 4-6 feet deep with levees constructed from Delta clay soils. Farmers stock fingerlings from hatcheries (Sunflower County has major hatchery operations), feed them specialized high-protein pellets using automated feeders or feed trucks, monitor water quality (dissolved oxygen, ammonia, pH) constantly, aerate ponds using paddlewheels or propeller aerators, and harvest fish using seine nets when they reach 1.5-2 pounds (typically 18-24 months). The industry operates year-round with peak employment in summer (30 workers vs 25 in winter). Mississippi produces 49.9 million pounds annually valued at $219-258 million (57% of the 322 million pounds processed in the Southeast). The USDA Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit in Stoneville (Washington County) develops new techniques, disease management protocols, and efficient production systems that keep Mississippi competitive despite foreign imports and consolidation pressures.
What educational resources are available for agricultural workers in Mississippi?
Mississippi offers comprehensive agricultural education through multiple institutions. Mississippi State University operates the College of Agriculture, MSU Extension Service (providing county-level support statewide), and the Delta Research and Extension Center (a major research facility serving the state's premier agricultural region). MSU ranks #1 nationally in aquaculture research (2025 ScholarGPS rankings) and operates multiple agricultural research stations statewide covering crops, livestock, aquaculture, and forestry. Alcorn State University, a historically Black 1890 land-grant institution, operates the Alcorn Experiment Station (jointly established with MSU in 1970) focusing on limited resource farmers with research programs in small fruits (blackberries, blueberries, muscadines, strawberries) and vegetables. The USDA Agricultural Research Service operates the Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit in Stoneville (Washington County), collaborating with MSU and Alcorn State on cutting-edge aquaculture innovations. Extension services provide hands-on education in crop production, precision agriculture (GPS guidance, variable-rate application, drone scouting), livestock management, water conservation, organic certification, farm business planning, and climate-smart agriculture practices. The Alliance of Sustainable Farms offers training in regenerative and organic production techniques through demonstration projects and peer learning.
What is the job market outlook for Mississippi agriculture?
Mississippi agriculture offers strong employment opportunities with both growth areas and evolving challenges. The industry generates $9.04 billion annually and employs 11.4% of the state's workforce, maintaining its status as Mississippi's #1 industry. Growth sectors include poultry (stable $2.85-3.8 billion industry with 21+ years as top commodity), soybeans (expanding from cotton diversification, now $1+ billion), organic and sustainable farming (Alliance of Sustainable Farms growing from 16 to 100+ farms with $1 million USDA grant), and forestry (36+ million tons harvested in 2023—highest 21st century level). The H-2A program processed 6,243 petitions in 2024, indicating robust labor demand. However, challenges exist: catfish aquaculture faces foreign competition and consolidation (acreage down from peaks but still #1 nationally at 29,900 acres); water management is critical as the Mississippi Alluvial Plain aquifer faces depletion from 19,000+ irrigation wells withdrawing 12+ billion gallons daily; climate change may increase crop water demand while reducing aquifer recharge. Solutions include irrigation efficiency improvements, on-farm water storage, surface-water projects, precision agriculture adoption, and regenerative practices building soil health and drought resilience. Mississippi's diversification strategy, research infrastructure (MSU, Alcorn State, USDA), and transition toward sustainable practices position the industry for long-term viability despite water and climate pressures.