Agriculture

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Mississippi ranks among the nation’s top 10 states in the production of muscadines, greenhouse tomatoes, pecans, poultry, rice, and sweet potatoes. In Yalobusha county, some 375 farms in excess of 100,00 total acreage produce $7.6 million in cotton, soybeans, corn, and other row crops. Meat producers are commercial and raise purebred cattle and hogs. Ingram Cattle Company, Inc., located here in Water Valley, consistently ranks as one of Mississippi’s top Angus breeders. Moreover, Yalobusha County’s farmers have gleaned regional and national acclaim for service, innovations, and production. Yalobusha County proudly boasts the state’s greatest number of young agriculture award recipients.

Banking & Finance

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Three major financial institutions serve the Water Valley area- Mechanics Bank, Renasant Bank, and Regions Bank. Mechanics Bank was established here in Water Valley in 1892, and it remains an independently owned and operated bank today. All three institutions provide comprehensive banking services, financial assistance, and educational resources to individuals, businesses, and the community at large.

Fish Farming

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Mississippi is the world’s leading producer of pond-raised catfish, as well as bass and crappie. The North Mississippi Fish Hatchery is located west of Enid Lake on 58 acres of land leased from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  It is easily accessible to locals and visitors from I-55.

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Phase I construction was completed in 2006 and includes a state-of-the-art hatchery building (tank room, wet lab, office, and staff rooms), a maintenance shop, 16 1-acre production ponds, a settling pond, and residence.

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The hatchery is equipped to produce multiple cool and warm-water species including northern largemouth bass, southern walleye, paddlefish, alligator gar, white crappie, black crappie, Magnolia crappie, grass carp, bluegill, and redear sunfish. Spawning usually begins in March and runs through June.  Visitors may view spawning activities from the observation area in the hatchery building.

To contact the Hatchery call (662) 563-0542 or for the Visitor’s Education Center call (662) 563-8068. 

FORESTRY

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With approximately 18.6 million acres of forest- predominately pine, oak, and gum -Mississippi is the number one tree-farming state in the nation with the annual harvest exceeding $1 billion. The state ranks second nationally in the number of acres reforested each year. Regional forestry programs include an abundance of pine, mixed hardwood, and Paulson.

Government

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Here in Yalobusha County, some 20% of the labor sector is comprised of government workers. City, county, and federal employees in the area average about 820. Water Valley serves as a dual county seat for Yalobusha County, alongside Coffeeville. Extensive renovations of the Water Valley courthouse have been completed recently, adding 2,500 square feet to the 13,500-square-foot structure. Coffeeville Courthouse renovations are now underway.

HEALTH CARE

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Comprehensive medical care is integral to the quality of life of residents young and old. Yalobusha General Hospital & Nursing Home provides a range of services, including laboratory, radiology, rehabilitation, and respiratory therapy. The facility consists of 26 acute-care, 122 nursing-home, and 2 assisted living beds. Yalobusha General also operates an outpatient rehabilitation clinic, a physician’s clinic, and a paramedic-level ambulance service. Supportive medical entities in Water Valley include dentists, family practitioners, optometrists, and physical therapists.

Manufacturing

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About 40% of the labor sector for Yalobusha County is comprised of manufacturing jobs. Borg-Warner is a billion-dollar automotive products manufacturer with divisions operating around the globe. The Air/Fluid Systems plant here in Water Valley produces air induction and fluid control systems and electromechanical components for enhanced engine and transmission performance, reduced emissions, fuel vapor recovery, and increased vehicle safety.

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Another top manufacturer Valley Tool, Inc., produces, processes, and handles precision machinery through its three divisions: tool and die, inspection/sorting, and dunnage washing. This homegrown company also networks across the globe, servicing prominent names in the aerospace, appliance, artillery, automotive, commercial equipment, and food industries.

View all the current businesses within Water Valley by clicking below.