Capturing the Cotton Harvest at Van Buren Farms

Mississippi Farm Country Mag

At Van Buren Farms in Belzoni, Mississippi, cotton farmer Pepper Roberts combines tradition with innovation to tell the story of one of the state’s most iconic crops. From walking the fields to overseeing the harvest, Pepper is passionate about educating others on where their textiles come from, often welcoming school groups to witness the process firsthand. These photographs highlight both the sweeping Delta landscapes of cotton in bloom and the up-close details of the harvest—capturing the care, technology, and dedication that go into every fiber.

Location: Belzoni, MS

Cotton harvest schedule Dryland cotton starting Sept. 9 Irrigated cotton starting approximately two weeks later