Mississippi’s sweet potato harvest began in the last week of August 2026, with timely rainfall supporting crop development despite hot and dry conditions affecting other crops in the state.
Lorin Harvey, sweet potato specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said rainfall arrived at key stages of the growing cycle. “It’s a strong-looking crop, but you can never really tell until you start digging,” Harvey said. “We got timely rains, which will probably be the biggest factor for this year’s success.”
Growers planted about 35,800 acres of sweet potatoes this year, an increase of almost 10 per cent. Sweet potato area in Mississippi has increased nearly 25 per cent over the past five years.
Harvey attributed the expansion to lower yields in 2025, which resulted in higher demand and prices, as well as low prices for other agricultural commodities.
Planting started in late April for many growers, with cooler temperatures allowing plants to establish before summer heat arrived.