Agricultural & Food Manufacturing
Not only are the crops growing in Rankin County, Mississippi, but so is the Agricultural Industry itself.
Mississippi has been a long-standing leader in the Agricultural Industry, and it remains the state’s top industry sector. The Agricultural, as well as Food Manufacturing, industries continue to grow and expand due to the state’s business friendly climate. The state, local governments and area partners offer a variety of business incentives and resources to support the needs of the industry.
With a rich agrarian history and over 120,000 acres of farmland, Rankin County is a prime location for the Agricultural and Food Manufacturing Industries. The county’s best-selling crops include cotton, soybeans, forest products, poultry, beef and dairy. The region’s workforce is skilled and affordable, with over 3,000 agricultural industry jobs within a 45-minute drive time. And with support from industry and education partners, there is a growing talent pipeline of skilled individuals prepared, ready and eager to work.
Agricultural Industry Call-Out Stats
2.7%
2.7% industry growth rate within the county
2.7%
3,000+ employed in the region
1.3B
$1.3 billion in GDP for Rankin County
+31%
There has been an increase of 31% of establishments in the Agricultural Industry over the past ten years in Rankin County.
| Employment | Average Annual Wage | Average Annual Wage Growth (Past 10 Years) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rankin County | 475 | $41,901 | 2.7% |
| Jackson, MS MSA | 3,004 | $47,809 | 4.0% |
| Rankin County Laborshed (45-Min Drive Time) | 3,282 | $43,332 | 2.4% |
| Mississippi | 23,566 | $42,165 | 3.0% |
Food Manufacturing Industry Call-Out Stats
3.6%
3.6% industry growth rate within the county the past decade
9000+
9,000+ employed in the region
| Employment | Average Annual Wage | Average Annual Wage Growth (Past 10 Years) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rankin County | 1,042 | $33,893 | 3.4% |
| Jackson, MS MSA | 3,906 | $36,057 | 3.6% |
| Rankin County Laborshed (45-Min Drive Time) | 9,132 | $35,371 | 2.8% |
| Mississippi | 23,455 | $40,469 | 4.2% |
Talent Pipeline
700
Hinds Community College offers a variety of programs, career and technical certifications and Associate degrees for those looking to obtain a career in the Agricultural field. The Agribusiness Management program prepares students for a broad range of jobs related to the management, marketing and sales of agriculture supplies and products. Students enrolled take both technical and academic courses and also have opportunities to receive on-the-job training as well as internships. Upon completion of the program, graduates are primed to start their careers in agriculture.
Five higher education institutions within the Jackson, MS MSA are issuing nearly 700 agricultural and food manufacturing related awards annually in key programs such as:
- Biology/Biological Sciences
- Biomedical Sciences
- Chemistry
- Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations
- Mathematics
Top Agricultural industry growth over the past decade includes:
- Animal Production
- Support Activities for Forestry
- Crop Production
| Top 5 Agricultural Occupations in Rankin County | Average Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Farmers, Ranchers and Other Agricultural Managers | $50,000 |
| Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery and Greenhouse | $30,200 |
| Animal Trainers | $29,600 |
| Chief Executives | $113,100 |
| Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch and Aquacultural Animals | $37,600 |
Top Food Manufacturing industry growth over the past decade includes:
- Poultry Processing
- Frozen Specialty Food Management
- Commercial Bakeries
| Top 5 Food Processing Occupations in Rankin County | Average Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Meat, Poultry and Fish Cutters & Trimmers | $28,900 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, & Material Movers, Hand | $30,500 |
| Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders | $27,800 |
| Helpers and Production Workers | $27,800 |
| Bakers | $25,900 |
Strategic Advantages
According to 2021 rankings from Area Development Magazine, among the nation Mississippi ranks:
NO.
5
Speed of Permitting
NO.
7
Overall Cost of Doing Business
NO.
8
Business Incentives Programs
NO.
8
Cooperative & Responsive State Government
NO.
10
Favorable Regulatory Environment
No Sales Tax on Raw Materials or Electricity
While Mississippi boasts energy costs approximately 15% below the national average, according to EIA (2020), businesses classified by the Department of Revenue as agricultural or manufacturing may apply for a full exemption on sales tax on electricity and raw materials used in the manufacturing process.
Low Turnover Rates
Our region’s low turnover rates in manufacturing (5.7%), compared to the state’s 6.5% turnover, offer a location where companies experience the bottom-line advantages of reduced hiring and training costs.
Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit
Existing manufacturers that have operated in the state for two or more years may be eligible for investment tax credits which could be applied to the company’s state income tax liability. Existing companies must invest $1 million or more in buildings and/or equipment to qualify.
The Entergy Advantage
Entergy provides reliable electric power at very competitive rates and extensive support for existing and locating new businesses. Additionally, Entergy’s economic development rider can provide a 1-cent-per-kwh discount on electricity use for up to five years. The rider is applicable for eligible companies considering processing, manufacturing or distribution operations that meet the minimum requirement of the program.