The latest Federal Reserve quarter of a percent interest rate hike may seem insignificant, pushing the federal funds rate to a still relatively low 2.25 percent, but the increase comes on top of other hikes since January and likely will be followed by another .25 percent in December with others to follow in 2019. "It's hard to estimate the magnitude of the latest increase on farm budgets," says Keith Coble, department head, Mississippi State University agricultural economics at Starkville.
Fall preparation paid off for many Mississippi corn producers who were able to take advantage of a gap in spring rains to plant much of their crop early. Erick Larson, corn specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said warm weather and a break in typical spring rains has allowed farmers to make considerable corn planting progress this spring.
Each Tuesday in July, The Dispatch will feature stories from young voters who will cast their first ballots for president this November, as well as those from veteran voters remembering their first time voting for president. The general election is set for Nov. 8. Jacob Craig registered to vote in spring 2015.