Agriculture & Industry
The Labor Question at the Heart of Mississippi Agriculture
From fields to processing plants, the state's agricultural economy depends on a workforce whose future is caught up in national politics.
How the River Turns Mississippi Soybeans Into Global Trade
The state's soybean crop depends on an intricate logistics chain that begins in a Delta field and ends at a distant port. Any weak link is costly.
Mississippi Labs Push the Frontiers of Fish Farming
Research institutions in the state are developing techniques that could shape the future of aquaculture far beyond its borders.
On the Coast, Shipbuilding Anchors an Economy
The Gulf Coast's shipyards are among the state's largest employers, building vessels for the Navy and the commercial market alike.
Auto Plants Reshape the Map of Mississippi Work
Major automotive manufacturing has brought thousands of jobs to the state, and with them a transformation of local economies.
The Sweet Potato Belt Bets on a Humble Crop
A cluster of north Mississippi counties has become a national powerhouse in sweet potato production, and it is planning to grow.
Oil and Gas Still Fuel Parts of the Mississippi Economy
Though overshadowed by neighboring states, energy extraction remains an important industry in a swath of southern Mississippi.
Drones Take to the Skies Over Mississippi Fields
From crop scouting to precision spraying, agricultural drones are becoming standard equipment on the state's larger farms.
The Farmers Betting on Healthier Soil
A small but growing group of Mississippi growers is adopting practices aimed at rebuilding soil, with an eye on both yields and the future.