Legislative Session Ends, Governor Expected to Call Lawmakers Back for Special Session

As the Mississippi House of Representatives adjourned Sine Die on April 2 and the Mississippi Senate followed suit on April 3, the 2025 Mississippi Regular Legislative Session ended. While the legislature did not reach an agreement on the state’s budget, we know Governor Tate Reeves will reconvene lawmakers prior to the June 30 deadline to finalize the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. We also anticipate that additional pieces of legislation may be considered during this Special Session. However, before the gavel fell, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) and its dedicated policy team worked tirelessly at the Capitol to ensure that key pieces of agriculture-related legislation made it across the finish line.

As the state’s largest general farm organization, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation has a long-standing tradition of representing the interests of farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. The 2025 Legislative Session saw some victories, and we are excited to share these accomplishments with you.

Poultry House Tax Relief
One of the most pressing issues over the past two years was the rapid spike in poultry house taxes. This year, thanks to the hard work of our policy team and legislative allies, House Bill 1878 was signed into law that provides a consistent, straight-line depreciation rate for poultry houses. This new tax structure will help mitigate the financial burden on Mississippi poultry producers and provide much-needed stability.

Harvest Permit Program Extended
The Harvest Permit program, which enables Mississippi farmers to transport grain with a weight tolerance, has been renewed for another three years. While Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation advocated for the permanent removal of the program’s repealer, we were pleased to secure an extension that will continue to benefit our state’s farmers in the short term.

Sweet Potato Becomes Mississippi’s Official State Vegetable
In a victory for Mississippi agriculture, Senate Bill 2383 passed, making the sweet potato the official state vegetable. This not only celebrates an important crop in our agricultural community but also raises awareness of the significant economic contributions of sweet potato growers in Mississippi.

Clarity on Sales Tax Exemptions
Senate Bill 2266 brought clarity to sales tax exemptions for agricultural purchases by requiring the Mississippi Department of Revenue to publish a comprehensive list of eligible items by August 1, 2025. This will make it easier for farmers and ranchers to navigate the sales tax system and ensure they receive the benefits they are entitled to.

Strengthened Reporting for Stolen Agricultural Equipment
The passage of Senate Bill 2204 strengthens the reporting process for stolen agricultural equipment by mandating that all agricultural thefts be reported to the Mississippi Agricultural and Livestock Theft Bureau. This law will help protect valuable equipment and assets for Mississippi’s farmers and ranchers.

These legislative victories would not have been possible without the strong support and leadership from Mississippi’s top lawmakers. We extend our sincere thanks to Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann and Speaker of the House Jason White for their unwavering commitment to agricultural issues and their advocacy for these vital bills, along with their staff. Additionally, we appreciate Governor Tate Reeves for his leadership and dedication to Mississippi’s agricultural community, as well as his staff who worked diligently throughout the session. Special thanks to Senate Agriculture Chairman Neil Whaley of Marshall County, Senate Vice Chairman Andy Berry of Simpson County, House Agriculture Chairman Bill Pigott of Walthall County, and House Vice Chairman Vince Mangold of Lincoln County for always being open to hearing Farm Bureau’s concerns and for handling many important agriculture issues. Finally, we are grateful for the support and collaboration of fellow agricultural organizations, including the Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association, Delta Council, Mississippi Forestry Association, Mississippi Poultry Association, and the Mississippi Loggers Association. Their teamwork was invaluable in advancing our shared goals.

While the 2025 Regular Legislative Session has concluded, the work is far from over. We encourage you to remain engaged in the policy process as we prepare for the 2025 Special Legislative Session and 2026 Regular Legislative Session. There are several ways you can continue to make your voice heard:

• Attend MFBF policy development meetings held throughout the state this summer to discuss issues that matter to you and your community.
• Participate in the resolutions process during the fall to help shape our state policy book.
• Stay in contact with your local legislators by scheduling meetings or inviting them to attend county farm bureau events.
• Vote in any local or legislative races that may take place in your county this year, as your participation can have a significant impact on the direction of agricultural policy in Mississippi.

We thank you for your continued engagement during the 2025 Regular Legislative Session. We will bring you more updates as soon as the 2025 Special Legislative Session is called, where we expect important discussions to continue and decisions to be made. Together, we will ensure that Mississippi agriculture remains strong and resilient in the face of any challenge. Thank you for your continued support, and let’s keep working together for a brighter future for agriculture in Mississippi!