Mississippi Farm Country Vol. 94, No. 3

A PUBLICATION OF MISSISSIPPI FARM BUREAU FEDERATION VOL. 94, NO. 3 MAY/JUNE 2018 MSFB.ORG

Telling Agriculture’s Story

C O N T E N T S VOLUME 94 NUMBER 3 MAY/JUNE 2018

FEATURES

Mississippi Farm Country (ISSN 1529-9600) magazine is published bimonthly by the Mississippi Farm Bureau® Federation.

Farm Bureau members receive this publication as part of their membership benefit. Periodicals postage is paid at Jackson, MS and at additional mailing offices.

Postmaster: Send address changes to P.O. Box 1972, Jackson, MS 39215 EDITORIAL AND BUSINESS OFFICES 6311 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS 39211 601-977-4153 EDITOR — Glynda Phillips ADVERTISING Angela Ellis 1-800-227-8244 ext. 4242 aellis@msfb.org

Material in this publication is based on what the editor believes to be reliable information. Neither Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation nor those individuals or organizations contributing to the MFBF publication assume any liability for errors that might go undetected in the publication — this includes statements in articles or advertisements that could lead to erroneous personal or business management decisions.

FARM BUREAU,® FB® and all Farm Bureau logos used in this magazine are registered service marks owned by the American Farm Bureau Federation. They may not be used in any commercial manner without the prior written consent of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Farm Bureau Ambassador Rachel Peeler of Union County is eager to tell the farmer’s story at events and meetings across the state. Read more about Rachel and the Farm Bureau Ambassador program inside this issue.

FARM BUREAU ACTIVITIES Volunteer leaders and staff have been busy carrying out the Federation’s programs during the winter and spring months. Coverage of these activities can be found throughout the magazine.

FARM BUREAU OFFICERS President – Mike McCormick Vice President (North) – Donald Gant Vice President (Central) – Ted Kendall IV Vice President (South) – Reggie Magee Corporate Secretary – Kent Bloodworth Treasurer – Billy Davis FARM BUREAU DIRECTORS Jim Perkins, Tishomingo Mike Graves, Tippah B.A. Teague, Union Preston Arrington, Sunflower Mike Ferguson, Tate Neal Huskison, Pontotoc Jeffrey Tabb, Webster Joe Huerkamp, Noxubee Terry Wynne, Holmes James Rasberry, Attala Doug Wilkerson, Kemper Max Anderson, Newton Stanley Williams, Covington Josh Miller, Sharkey Tod Waltman, Copiah Noble Guedon, Adams Mike Keith, Lamar Larry Jefcoat, Jones Clifton Hicks, Greene Perry Meyers, Jackson Betty Mills, Montgomery William Tabb, Webster

8

FARM BUREAU AMBASSADOR

18 MISSISSIPPI AGRICULTURE Agriculture continues to do its part to boost our state’s economy. Mississippi agriculture was a $7.53 billion industry in 2017. Learn more about this inside.

DEPARTMENTS 4 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 6 NATIONAL AFFAIRS REPORT 16 NOTES FROM THE FIELD

15 RECIPES Enjoy the recipes from “Country Cooking, Vol. V.” Sales of this cookbook generate funds for the Ag in the Classroom program. Cookbooks are available at most county offices.

27 ABOUT THE COVER Farm Bureau Ambassador Rachel Peeler is pictured at the H. H. Leveck Animal Research Center, or “South Farm,” on the campus of Mississippi State University.

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

3

P R E S I D E N T’S

M E S S A G E

Perfect Timing When I was elected president of Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, it was the perfect time in my life to take on those responsibilities.

I had worked for many years on and off the farm, acquiring the knowledge, experience and skills I draw on today to lead our state’s largest general farm organization.

Mike McCormick Sometimes, we become President, Mississippi complacent in life. We are Farm Bureau Federation happy with our family and our farm, and we don’t feel the need to look for additional challenges. I appreciate all of the blessings in my life, but I always take the time to consider any opportunities that might come my way, whether they include a new job or volunteer work for a worthy cause. I know from experience that a new path often holds the potential to enhance your life greatly.

When I look back on my years as a Jefferson County farmer, I’m more than pleased with what I have accomplished. My family farm is diverse and strong. It brings me a lot of joy. But my responsibilities in Jackson bring me a whole lot of satisfaction, too. Sure, the work can be fastpaced and hectic at times, but helping Mississippi farmers remain strong and successful is so rewarding.

I’ll let you decide whether or not you want to try a new career path, if one is offered. But I want to encourage you to consider the many ways in which volunteer work, especially for an organization like Farm Bureau, can add meaning to your life.

When you volunteer with Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, you are helping to sustain an organization that has worked to better the lives and livelihoods of many generations of Mississippi farmers. You are also helping to move our nearly 100-year-old organization into the future.

Generations of farmers to come will thank you for your efforts. Consumers will thank you, too. Because of our nation’s hardworking farmers, all of us have access to an abundant supply of safe and affordable food, fiber and fuel.

Farm Bureau volunteer leaders give back on many

4

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

levels. We have county Farm Bureau programs, and we have volunteers who serve on our state board and state committees. You might even be invited to serve on an American Farm Bureau Federation committee, where you will meet farmers from across the nation who are working together to address issues of importance to all farmers.

Best of all, you are giving back to an industry that is vital to the wellbeing of our state, our nation and the world.

Yes, we are encouraging young farmers to become more involved in our organization. They are our future.

But there’s more than enough room at the table for our older farmers, too. We value your wisdom, your experience and your hard work. We also invite you to mentor the young farmers coming on board today. This type of effort is so important.

For more information about serving as a Farm Bureau volunteer leader, contact your county Farm Bureau or regional manager.

FARM BUREAU AMBASSADOR

Several years ago, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) decided to offer a program that would give a qualifying college student an opportunity to represent Farm Bureau and Mississippi agriculture at events across the state. The Farm Bureau Ambassador Scholarship Program is the result.

Through the years, we have had many worthy ambassadors who have been eager to tell the farmer’s story. They’ve brought a whole lot of energy and new ideas to the table.

This year’s Farm Bureau Ambassador, Rachel Peeler of New Albany, is no exception. She is truly outstanding. I invite you to read Rachel’s story inside this issue of our magazine.

THANKS FOR YOUR HARD WORK

I can’t believe May is here already. We’ve accomplished a lot in the past five months, but we still have many goals to reach. In the months ahead, let’s continue working together as a team to reach our goals on both the county and state levels. I appreciate your hard work and dedication more than you will ever know. You are the best.

And if you aren’t already a volunteer, please consider joining us.

As always, thanks for all you do for Farm Bureau. FB

MAY/JUNE 2018

NATIONAL AFFAIRS REPORT ★

BY JUSTIN FERGUSON

Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation National Affairs Coordinator & Commodity Coordinator for Major Row Crops

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Time Is Right to Bridge the Rural Broadband Divide

Rural broadband is essential to modern agriculture, the farm- gets small businesses’ needs and potential. Access to reliable broaders and ranchers who grow our food, and the quality of life of all band technology — especially in rural areas, will help businesses rural Americans. America’s farmers and ranchers use technology that improve their business practices, grow their client base and create allows their farming businesses to be more efficient, economical and more jobs. The bill specifically improves certain programs of the environmentally friendly. Today’s farmers and ranchers are using Small Business Administration to better assist small business cusprecision agricultural techniques to make decisions that impact tomers in accessing broadband technology and for other purposes. the amount of fertilizer a farmer needs to purchase and apply to In January 2018, U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and the field, the amount of water needed to sustain the crop, and the U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced the Precision amount and type of herbicides or pesticides the farmer may need Agriculture Connectivity Act (S. 2343). This broadband bill would to apply. They rely on broadband access to manage and operate a create a task force to focus on the connectivity and technology needs successful business, the same as small businesses do in urban and of precision agriculture. The task force would bring together the suburban America. Additionally, access to broadband is essential USDA, FCC, and public and private stakeholders to focus on the for farmers and ranchers to follow commodity markets, commu- needs of broadband connectivity on cropland and ranchland. In nicate with their customers, gain access to new markets around the addition to focusing on the gaps, the task force will propose policy world, and, increasingly, for regulatory compliance. However, 29 recommendations to promote the deployment of fixed and mobile percent of U.S. farms don’t have access to the Internet, according broadband across 95 percent of the cropland and ranchland in the the USDA report, “Farm Computer Usage and Ownership, 2017.” United States by 2025.

From a broader perspective, rural communities need access to And finally, in February 2018, the Trump administration health care, government services, and educational and business released its “Building a Stronger America: President Donald J. opportunities. For many rural communities, access can only be Trump’s American Infrastructure Initiative.” Of the $200 billion gained by using broadband services and sophisticated technolo- in direct federal funding, $50 billion will be devoted to a new Rural gies that require high-speed connections. According to the Federal Infrastructure Program to rebuild and modernize infrastructure in Communications Commission, 39 percent of rural Americans lack rural America. The bulk of the dollars in the Rural Infrastructure access to 25 Mbps/3 Mbps service, compared to only 4 percent of Program will be allocated to state governors, giving states the flexurban Americans, or an estimated 34 million people. Current and ibility to prioritize their communities’ needs. Farm Bureau encourfuture generations of rural Americans will be left behind their fellow aged the administration to include an opportunity for state and citizens if they are without affordable high-speed broadband service local input for the prioritizing of rural projects, including rural that enables them to tap into health care and educational services, broadband deployment. government agencies and new business opportunities.

As technology has advanced, the rural broadband divide has There are some exciting discusbecome a larger issue to rural sions taking place in Washington Mississippians. We applaud the on the topic of rural broadband. members of our congressional In December 2017, Congressman delegation, in particular Senator Trent Kelly (R-MS) and ConWicker and Congressman Kelly, gressman Seth Moulton (D-MA) for authoring key legislation on introduced the Small Business rural broadband. We are hopeful, Broadband and Emerging Inforwith a renewed focus on this issue mation Technology Act (H.R. and some positive movements in 4677). This bill addresses the Washington, the time is right to bipartisan push for nationwide bridge this rural broadband divide broadband that specifically tar- U.S. Senator Roger Wicker in Mississippi. FB Congressman Trent Kelly 6

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

MAY/JUNE 2018

Telling Agriculture’s Story B Y G LY N D A P H I L L I P S

Rachel Peeler of New Albany is our Farm Bureau Ambassador for 2018. Rachel received the title at state convention in December, competing with outstanding college students from around the state. As Farm Bureau Ambassador, she was presented a $4,000 scholarship.

The Farm Bureau Ambassador program is designed to identify young leaders who can use their experiences to tell the farmer’s story. The program strives to enlighten and inform the public about agriculture, and the ambassador makes appearances on behalf of Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) and agriculture at events across the state.

At the time of her interview in January, Rachel was eager to begin carrying out her responsibilities. By the time you read this article, she will have participated in the Dixie National Livestock Parade in Jackson and spoken at the State Women’s Leadership Conference in Natchez. She plans to participate in the Ag in the Classroom workshops this summer.

“I am passionate about agriculture, and I consider it an honor to represent Farm Bureau,” she said. “Farm Bureau’s work on behalf of farmers is so important. The organization not only serves as the Voice of Agriculture® on issues affecting Mississippi farmers, it offers programs that teach children and adults what farmers do for them every day.

“That is so important.”

FARM LIFE

Rachel grew up on a farm in Union County which has horses, Corriente cattle and chickens.

“I love horses so much,” Rachel said.

“I’ve been actively involved in 4-H my whole life, and I’ve always competed in

MAY/JUNE 2018

horse events. I’m a barrel racer and I’ve won for the Farm Bureau Ambassador contest a few of those events, but I’ve done really were very personable, approachable and well in state- and national-level horse judg- took a genuine interest in us,” Rachel said. ing, horse bowl and hippology contests.”

“Former Farm Bureau Ambassador Beth The beautiful belt buckle she wore the Tillman told me I would inherit 10 new day of her interview was presented to her friends who would be very sympathetic as a result of her accomplishments in Dixie and have my best interests at heart, and National Horse Bowl that has definitely been “I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT competition. the case with the memAGRICULTURE, AND I Rachel is an Animal bers of the State Womand Dairy Sciences CONSIDER IT AN HONOR TO en’s Committee.” major at Mississippi REPRESENT FARM BUREAU. “I’m excited about State University (MSU). t h e Fa r m Bu re a u FARM BUREAU’S WORK She will graduate in Ambassador program. I ON BEHALF OF FARMERS May, and vet school is recommend it to anyone her next goal. She says it means something to,” IS SO IMPORTANT. she will begin working she said. “If you aren’t RACHEL PEELER on a master’s degree in passionate about agriAgricultural and Extension Education at culture, then don’t do this. I think agriculMSU while she applies for admission to ture deserves your best effort.” the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine.

Rachel served as valedictorian of her Rachel balances her school work with high school senior class. During high school, her work at the beef unit on the MSU she won four state championships for crossSouth Farm, where she helps care for the country running and two state championcattle, pigs and sheep. She also volunteers ships for track. She expresses her gratitude to in her community for many worthy causes. her coach, Chris Greer, and her teammates.

Rachel worked in the New Albany AMBASSADOR PROGRAM Animal Clinic during high school and Rachel says she learned about the Farm for the two years she attended Northeast Bureau Ambassador Contest from Union Mississippi Community College. She is a County Farm Bureau Women’s Chair Mary member of the Starkville Church of Christ.

Manning, who sent her information about Rachel’s parents are David and Sharon the program. She says MFBF Region 2 Peeler of New Albany. She loves her family, Regional Manager Terry Norwood, whom her friends, her church and her work with she has known through 4-H, also encour- agriculture and livestock. aged her to participate. Union County The Farm Bureau Ambassador proMSU Extension Agent Gina Wills has gram is sponsored annually by the Misalways been supportive of her ag interests. sissippi Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Rachel says the members of the State Programs. For more information about the Women’s Committee have been extremely Farm Bureau Ambassador program, contact supportive of her.

MFBF Women’s Programs and Ag in the “Throughout this whole process, the Classroom Program Coordinator Clara State Women’s Committee and the judges Bilbo at (601) 977-4245. FB

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

9

1

“I have watched team penning competition grow in participation and prize packages. The payback for USTPA world championship winners is fantastic. In recent years, the United States Team Penning Association has averaged about 2,800 teams at its world finals each year.”

— James Rasberry

s e e r R v s e l a C n h i ampio F d l r

ns

Wo

B Y G LY N D A P H I L L I P S

State board member James Rasberry of Kosciusko has competed “You meet a lot of friendly people at these events,” he said. “They in team penning events for many years. Imagine his pride when his become like family to you.” team was named Reserve Champions (second place) in the 2017 U.S. Team Penning Association’s (USTPA) world finals in Texas this fall. EQUINE INDUSTRY His fellow team members included Katie McGuffin, an Oklahoma James has a horse ranch and has worked as a building contractor veterinarian, and Dustin Johnson, a Mississippian who buys, sells since 1971. He was president of the Mississippi Homebuilders Associaand trains horses. tion for three years. He served on the Missis“I started riding with both of these individsippi State Board of Contractors for 10 years. uals when they were small, so I have watched He is currently serving on the State Board them grow up,” James said. “They are fine of Animal Health, representing the horse people and excellent team penning competitors. industry, and he is serving as president of the Dustin is one of the top five riders in the U.S.” Mississippi State Equine Association (MSEA).

Through the years, James has won over 25 James is especially proud of the “Saddle belt buckles, a testament to his passion for and Up” tags, an MSEA fundraising effort. skill at this particular sport. In fact, he helped “We raised enough money with the tags to to organize the Mississippi Team Penning Assomake a pledge of $25,000 to the vet school at ciation 30 years ago and has been involved with Mississippi State University for scholarships, the Dixie Regional Team Penning Association which are presented to worthy students every for many years. The Dixie Regional TPA is the year,” he said. “We have also pledged $25,000 second-largest independent team penning assofor the new Animal and Dairy Sciences build“Team penning is a good family sport. ciation in the U.S. and includes members from ing being built near the South Farm on the We have kids, ages 4 and 5 years old, the states of Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, involved in it, and the age of the competi- MSU campus. We will have our logo disGeorgia, North Carolina, Louisiana, Arkansas played at the concession stand.” tors just goes up from there. I will be 70 and Florida. in July, and I am still riding.”

“I have watched team penning competiFARM & FAMILY — James Rasberry tion grow in participation and prize packages,” James grew up on a farm in Ethel then he said. “The payback for USTPA world championship winners is moved with his farther, a carpenter, to Pearl and Clinton. fantastic. In recent years, the United States Team Penning AssociaJames’ oldest daughter is an attorney and lobbyist. His middle tion has averaged about 2,800 teams at its world finals each year.” daughter works in fundraising for Palmer House in Columbus. His youngest daughter provides guidance for wellness and fitness proA FAMILY SPORT grams for Silver Sneakers in Mississippi and Louisiana. He has six James says his daughters were barrel racers when they were in grandchildren, ages 6 months to 21 years old. school. When they graduated from high school, he got a horse James is a member of Open Door Baptist Church in Kosciusko. and began competing in team penning events. He is very proud He is a past president of the Attala County Industrial Development that his middle daughter and oldest granddaughter are riding with Authority. him again.

“Team penning is a good family sport. We have kids, ages 4 and CHICKEN STEW 5 years old, involved in it, and the age of the competitors just goes James is known for his homemade chicken stew, which he has up from there,” he said. “I will be 70 in July, and I am still riding. cooked for participants in the Dixie Regional Team Penning Asso“My horse is 21 years old, and he’s a fine horse,” he added. “I ciation shows held in his area. Last year, he also cooked his stew for pretty much will keep doing this as long as he and I are living.” the Attala County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting.

James has penned in events all across the U.S. He competed in James is serving his third year as president of Attala County Farm Cheyenne, Wyoming, the first time it held a state team penning Bureau and his second year on the state board. He is chair of the competition, and he wound up in third place.

Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Equine Committee.

MAY/JUNE 2018

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

11

Lamarcus Phillips, Tony Dantzler and Charlie Pilkinton.

7

“IT KEEPS YOU PUSHING, BUT WE DON’T MIND WORKING HARD. I HAVE A FRIEND WHO IS STILL FARMING IN HIS 90S, AND HE IS MY INSPIRATION. HE TOLD ME HARD WORK KEEPS HIM GOING. I HOLD HIS WORDS CLOSE.” TONY DANTZLER

8

A Deep Love of Farming 7 8

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 B Y G LY N D A P H I L L I P S

Lowndes County Farm Bureau board member Tony Dantzler “It keeps you pushing, but we don’t mind working hard,” Tony has spent his entire life farming. He grew up on a farm, and his said. “I have a friend who is still farming in his 90s, and he is my father was a farm manager in Noxubee County until his untimely inspiration. He told me hard work keeps him going. I hold his death when Tony was a child. When Tony was 12, Charlie Pilkin- words close.” ton offered him a job on his northeast Mississippi farm, and Tony Another huge inspiration was Charlie’s brother, Sam, who died didn’t hesitate. His answer was a resounding YES! two years ago.

From that moment on, the two of them became lifelong friends “He never stopped working when he was out here on the farm,” and farming colleagues, sharing a deep and Tony said. “He could fix anything, and he abiding love of farming. was always moving.”

“I am 48 years old, so I have been work“He was a big loss,” Lamarcus added. ing here for 36 years,” Tony said. “I started “We miss him so much.” out loading hoppers and picking up chunks Charlie is a constant source of inspiraand hauling water. I did whatever needed to tion and encouragement. Tony says there be done, and it went from there. have been times through the years when he “Charlie basically took me under his wing and his brother have wanted to quit their and mentored me,” he said. “But more than other jobs and focus on the farm, but Charthat, he became a father figure to me. He lie wouldn’t hear of it. offered me good advice when I needed it, “He always told us if we ever quit our offand he showed up at my high school footthe-farm jobs, he would line up the farm “This is just a fascinating ball games to cheer me on. equipment and sell it,” Tony said. “He speaks business. We love seeing our his mind, but he always has our best interests “I call him Chief.” at heart. None of this would have been poscrops grow, from seed to HARD WORK harvest. It’s a great feeling to sible if it wasn’t for Charlie.”

Just as Charlie Pilkinton saw potential in know we did everything we Tony, so Tony saw potential in his younger ROW CROP FARMING & FRIENDS could and were close to brother, Lamarcus.

Through the years, the farm has grown perfect, and to see how it “Mr. Pilkinton made me a partner in in acreage as more land has been purchased all turns out.”

1998,” Tony said. “Soon after that, I called and cleared. Today, the operation consists of my brother and asked if he would come help 2,300 acres of corn and soybeans, planted Tony Dantzler out on the farm.” about half and half. The farm’s grain storage “I jumped at the chance,” said Lamarcus Phillips (or Billy Bob, capacity is approximately 179,000 bushels. The farm has four semis as most locals know him). “I was 18 years old and fascinated with for hauling grain. Now, Lamarcus is a partner, and the operation is farm equipment. I couldn’t wait to begin.” called Dantzler, Pilkinton, Phillips Farm.

Both men have families and fulltime jobs off the farm. Tony is an “Most of this land, about 90 percent, is family-owned,” Tony engineer with Kansas City Southern Railway, where he has worked said with pride. for 26 years. Lamarcus worked for the City of Columbus for a time The farm has partnered over the years with the Mississippi State and is now employed fulltime with the Columbus Fire Department. University Extension Service to grow soybean and corn variety The brothers catch a few winks of shuteye when they can, then head test plots. Both efforts have helped with decisions about what to out to the farm. plant each season. Each year, the brothers also take a short course MAY/JUNE 2018

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

13

through Mississippi State University, which they have found to be Most of all, the brothers are thankful to God for His abundant very informative. grace and mercy. (See the favorite Bible verse at the beginning of The farm calls upon the local Extension agent when needed. A the article.) crop consultant firm, Southern Ag, offers assistance, too.

Tony says the entire farming community in their area has been A FASCINATING BUSINESS very supportive of the efforts of Dantzler, Pilkinton, Phillips Farm.

In conclusion, it is obvious that Tony and Lamarcus will always “There are just too many people to name, want to farm. but they know who they are, from seed and “This is just a fascinating business,” equipment dealers to financial institutions to Tony said. “We love seeing our crops grow, “If you are afraid of hard farmers within a 100-mile radius who don’t from seed to harvest. It’s a great feeling work, then this is the mind sharing information,” he said. “They to know we did everything we could and have helped us succeed, and we will always were close to perfect, and to see how it all wrong business for you. be grateful to them.” turns out.”

But it’s rewarding work The men also know they can count on “If you are afraid of hard work, then this to us. We will farm as Farm Bureau. Tony is a Lowndes County is the wrong business for you,” Lamarcus long as we are able.”

Farm Bureau board member, and Charlie is added. “But it’s rewarding work to us. We a Lowndes County Farm Bureau member. will farm as long as we are able.”

Lamarcus Phillips In 2017, Tony participated in the WashingThe brothers’ wives are schoolteachers. ton D.C. Member Fly-In, which he thorTony and his wife have three sons. Lamaroughly enjoyed. cus and his wife have a son and a daughter.

“I went to Washington, and it was very educational to see how A third brother works on another farm. FB everything works and to meet with our congressmen, senators and others,” he said. “Farm Bureau takes the concerns of county The photo of the three men was taken by Kevin Hudson/Mississippi State farmers to lawmakers on the state and national levels, and that’s University Extension. This farm was also featured in the Vol. 2 No. 2 great. The leaders have been very supportive and encouraging of issue of Extension Matters magazine, published by the Mississippi State me. They want me to be involved.”

University Extension Service.

7

8

14

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

MAY/JUNE 2018

Our Food Link Members of the State Women’s Committee, along with other volunteer leaders and staff, took a donation of $8,291, along with miscellaneous items, to Ronald McDonald House of Mississippi as part of the Our Food Link program, which seeks to reach out to consumers of all ages and backgrounds with information about today’s agriculture.

MAY/JUNE 2018

The women are pictured, right photo, with Ruth Ann Allen, executive director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mississippi. Making the presentation is State Women’s Chair Betty Mills and Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation President Mike McCormick. The donation is the result of efforts by volunteer leaders from across the state.

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

15

NOTES FROM THE FIELD ★

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

BY ANDY BROWN

Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Region 1 Regional Manager

Comic Books or Calorie Counts?

When I was a child, my grandfather would tell the best stories.

Tales of Batman and Robin, Superman or other comic book characters seemed to come to life sitting on his knee. What separated his stories from the rest were the extra sounds and words he would use to narrate the story. “Bip! Bop! Bam! and Boom!” were some of his favorites to help sell us on the liveliness of the adventures.

It is my opinion that this is what food marketing has become in many instances today. Storytelling rather than informing. Do we need extra onomatopoeias added to our food labels to sell us on what we eat? The sentiment I hear from many farmers in my travels across this state is that of frustration when they see words twisted to sway the minds of consumers. This gap in understanding of where and how food is produced is only growing, with less consumers having a direct connection to their food source in this day and age. In turn, the healthy and safely grown product with less labeling, and thus a lesser price tag, often seems inferior to its neighbor on the shelf in the eyes of the American grocery shopper.

Interest groups against GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) or conventional methods of agriculture often tout that their mission is to inform the consumer of everything that is in their food and the processes by which that food is produced. These groups market themselves as a “Robin Hood” of the food chain, robbing the secrets of “Big Ag” and displaying them for the poor consumer.

Such a noble cause, they’d love for you to think.

Statements of opposition are made that are merely opinion, which causes harm to the integrity of the hardworking farmers and ranchers, food processors, packers and even retailers that do not fall into this marketing scheme. Those who rely on facts and scientifically proven methodology of best practices suffer by not differentiating their products with extra labeling, and then often do not receive the same price for a homogeneous product.

What once was seen as a market fad has begun to make a real impact on our food production. Many food processing companies have now dictated to the supplier (farmer) how he/she grows their product. What results from this trend is not always best for the consuming public. No antibiotic use in poultry production causes higher sickness and death rates in chicken houses. No GMOs, or using just organic production as the majority farming practice, would result in a reduction in crop yields so great that we would not be able to feed even this country, let alone the world.

These types of reductions in efficiency come at a cost. Not a cost to you, the consumer, or even the processor in most cases, but one that is readily absorbed by the farmer. Less yield in times of low commodity prices spells disaster for the family farm, pushing even more Americans away from their dream of pursuing a fulltime career in production agriculture.

16

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

My economics degree taught me that when someone is incurring a cost, someone is receiving a benefit, or compensation, for that cost. This is also not you, the consumer. The ones collecting out of the pockets of honest farmers are these interest groups coming up with “verified” programs or extra labeling requirements for retailers.

The individuals representing these groups aren’t necessarily healthier, living longer, having less cancer or any other loosely based statistic they throw at you. The only thing they have more of than the general consumer is money. Money to make the choice for extra buzzwords or specifications about the food they consume. A majority of American consumers do not have this luxury and shouldn’t be duped into feeling guilty about it so someone outside of the food chain can profit.

At a recent YF&R conference, Tyne Morgan of the “U.S. Farm Report” spoke about how her nail technician was in tears over not being able to afford GMO-free and antibiotic-free labeled meat for her kids. This is an example of being duped by labels. No meat contains antibiotics once it reaches the grocery store, nor is it a “GMO.” Cattle, poultry, catfish and other meat animals have been bred for efficiency and are withdrawn from any medicine well before they are processed for consumption. These misconceptions are just a few influencing your purchases every day.

This does not mean all alternative methods of farming are the enemy. Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation has many members growing products organically, antibiotic-free or through more specialized methodology, and we support them just as they support their conventional neighbor. It is when false and negative messages are spread in a light that makes GMO-free seem like a humanitarian effort that there is a problem. Producing more to feed more people, while using less chemicals, water and trips across the field, are just a few benefits that GMO technologies have brought us. Healthier, happier, more productive animals is what antibiotics and other advances in the livestock industries have given us. These are methods that can feed this growing world.

Robin Hood helped the poor. Batman helped those who couldn’t help themselves. Superman saved the planet. None of these characters are the ones influencing your food choices today. These interests groups would be much better characterized as the Riddler or the Joker.

Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation supports all farmers and ranchers for a better life and better living and the freedom to do so through any proven method, no matter the yield. We also support sound science and honesty to the consumer and hope you continue to support those producing safe, abundant and affordable food, as well.

As you decide, as a consumer, what it is you want to see on the grocery store shelves, we at Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation will continue to advocate for those producing it. Will you join us in this effort? FB MAY/JUNE 2018

Women’s Day at the Capitol Members of the State Women’s Committee, along with other volunteer leaders and staff, served breakfast in the Mississippi State Capitol Rotunda and visited with members of the Senate and House agriculture committees during their annual Women’s Day at the Capitol. Pictured with committee members and staff are Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) President Mike McCormick, Senate Ag Committee Chair Billy Hudson and House Ag Committee Chair Bill Pigott. Also participating in the event, but

MAY/JUNE 2018

not pictured, were Senate Ag Committee Vice Chair Russell Jolly, House Ag Committee Vice Chair Vince Mangold and Farm Bureau Ambassador Rachel Peeler. In the second photo, Marlo Beason is pictured prior to being honored on the Senate floor by Sen. Jenifer Branning as 2017 MFBF Farm Woman of the Year. She is pictured with MFBF President Mike McCormick, State Women’s Committee Chair Betty Mills and State Women’s Committee Vice Chair Shelby Williams. FB

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

17

20-Minute Taco Beef Delight

American Chili Casserole

Chocolate Cream Pie

1 ½ lbs. lean ground beef 2 (8-oz.) cans tomato sauce 1 c. tortilla chips, coarsely crushed 1 pkg. taco seasoning mix 1 (11-oz.) can corn 1 c. cheese, grated

1 lb. hamburger meat 1 can chili 1 can tomato sauce 1 can cream of chicken soup 1 bag Fritos 2 T. dried onion Salt and pepper to taste 1 c. cheese

1 ¼ c. sugar ½ c. all-purpose flour Dash salt ¼ c. butter 1 (9-inch) baked pastry shell ¼ c. cocoa 4 lg. egg yolks 2 c. milk 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a big skillet, brown ground beef and drain. Stir in tomato sauce, taco seasoning and corn.

Simmer 5 minutes. Spoon mixture into 2-quart baking dish. Top with cheese and tortilla chips. Bake 5 to 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Clara Bilbo Madison County

In a greased 9x13-inch pan, layer ½ of the Fritos and ½ of the cheese. Brown the hamburger with the onion, salt and pepper. When cooked, add the chili, cream of chicken soup and tomato sauce to the hamburger. Combine well and simmer for 5 minutes. For the next layer, add all of the meat and chili mixture. Top with the other half of the Fritos and the rest of the cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with a dollop of sour cream.

Jody Bailey Yalobusha County

18

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

Combine sugar, cocoa, flour and salt in saucepan and set aside. Combine egg yolks and milk. Stir into sugar mixture.

Add butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and boils. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla.

Spoon into pastry shell. Using meringue recipe (opposite page), spread over hot filling, sealing to edge of pastry. Bake at 325 degrees for 25-28 minutes.

Continued

MAY/JUNE 2018

Meringue

4 lg. egg whites ½ c. sugar ½ tsp. cream of tartar ½ tsp. vanilla extract Beat egg whites and cream of tartar at high speed with an electric mixer, just until foamy. Gradually add sugar, one teaspoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form and sugar dissolves, 2 to 4 minutes. Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, beating well. Yields enough for one 9-inch pie.

Shelby Williams Covington County

COUNTRY COOKING, VOLUME V: These recipes are from “Country Cooking, Volume V,” available at most county offices. The cost is $20.

If you order a cookbook from the state office, you will pay $20 plus postage. For more information, contact Pam Jones at (601) 977-4854.

CALENDAR of EVENTS APRIL 24-25

Secretaries’ Conference Table 100, Flowood

MAY 15

Deadline for Teacher/Volunteer AITC Workshops

Scholarships Deadline

JUNE 1

JUNE 11-12

Teacher/Volunteer AITC Workshop Hattiesburg

JUNE 13-14 Teacher/Volunteer AITC Workshop Grenada JULY 16-19

MAY/JUNE 2018

Youth Safety Camp Gray Center, Canton

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

19

“It says something for a company when its staff members stay so long. I’ve enjoyed working with the staff, but the thing I will miss most is traveling the state, meeting our farmer members and telling their stories. Agriculture is Mississippi’s No. 1 industry. We must make sure that it remains strong.”

— GREG GIBSON

AWARD-WINNING FEDERATION STAFFER HAS ENJOYED TELLING AG’S STORY B Y G LY N D A P H I L L I P S

When Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Communications Coordinator Greg Gibson began working in the state office as a communications specialist at the age of 22, he figured he would stay for a while and then move on. When he retired in March at the age of 60, he had worked for the Federation for almost 38 years. Why did he decide to make Farm Bureau and Mississippi agriculture his lifelong career? “Our members,” he said. “They are good, salt-of-the-earth people, and it has been an honor telling their stories. Most people don’t want to be media hogs, but once they start talking about their farms, you can see their sense of pride, and it makes your day.”

Greg has also enjoyed working with the Federation staff.

“We would shoot the show on a Wednesday morning, edit it “The state office is a great place to work,” he said. “Our staff that afternoon, and put it in the mail by 10 the next morning, so members are good people who truly want to make a difference in it would reach the stations by Friday and they could play it on agriculture. This creates a momentum that carries you along, until Saturday.” one day you look up and realize, ‘Well, I’ll be darn. The years have Today, Greg and MFBF Communications Specialist Mark flown by. It’s time to go.’”

Morris FTP the Federation’s bimonthly “Voices of Agriculture” Greg has a degree in Broadcast Television Production from the show to RFD-TV via computer. The network receives it in a matter University of Mississippi. Throughout his years at Farm Bureau, of minutes. most of his responsibilities have centered around public relations “Technology has changed the way we do our jobs,” he said. and broadcast production work. Highlights of his tenure include “Information is now instantaneous, and you must be a part of that the TV shows, “Agri-view” (targeting farmers) and “Voices of Agri- world or you will be left behind.” culture” (targeting consumers); the Farm Families of Mississippi® And speaking of technology, in recent years, Greg was given the Agriculture Promotion Campaign; the Federation’s response to Hur- responsibility of managing a website and social media outlets like ricane Katrina; and the technology that has enhanced both the Fed- Facebook and Twitter. He also installed and managed a video coneration and its annual state convention. ferencing system for the Federation.

It is an important legacy.

“There was definitely a learning curve,” he said. “But you must be open to change. That’s just our reality today.”

TV/WEBSITE/SOCIAL MEDIA Greg is also proud of the impact technology has had on our Through the years, Greg estimates he has helped produce some state convention.

600 television shows. Many of them have won consecutive first“We went from someone showing a slideshow every now and place national awards. then to having a live TV truck, multiple screens and tons of videos,” “Back in the early 1990s, John Winfield and I bounced around he said. “All of this has helped make the programs a lot more inforthe idea of doing a farm show for quite a while before we finally mative and entertaining.” committed to doing “Agri-view.” Since Winfield was the farm director for Mississippi Network, the show became a joint effort between FARM FAMILIES Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation and Mississippi Network. We The Farm Families of Mississippi (FFM) Agriculture Promotion produced the show every week for 10 years, and I will put it up Campaign has been an important part of Greg’s life for almost a against any show produced today. It was a good, quality production. decade. In many respects, it has been life-changing.

MAY/JUNE 2018

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

21

The early years.

Greg and his family are pictured at his retirement reception held at the MFBF Building in Jackson.

“I work with a committee to coordinate the campaign each year, national and international media, such as National Public Radio and it has grown from 20 sponsors and barely enough funds to place and Reutters, as well as local TV stations and newspapers, telling materials in the Jackson media market to hundreds of sponsors and our story and finding them farmers to interview. an ability to target every media market in Mississippi with TV ads “A mention about this effort even made it into then-American and billboards,” he said.

Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman’s “We conducted surveys and listened to focus annual address at national convention. He made groups before we began crafting our messages. a big deal out of how well the Mississippi and Some things we thought consumers didn’t know Louisiana Farm Bureaus covered the tragedy.” about agriculture, turns out they did know. And some things we thought they already knew, turns THANKS TO THE BOARD “According to the surveys we out they didn’t know. In addition, we have people In conclusion, Greg would like to express his on our FFM committee representing every major appreciation to the MFBF Board of Directors, have conducted after each segment of agriculture. We have young and old, and especially to MFBF President Mike McCorcampaign, what we have done men and women. It’s a great committee.” mick, for their support through the years. It has with Farm Families is move the This year, the FFM campaign will work to allowed him do his job better. needle forward for agriculture, allay fears about GMOs, biotechnology and the So, yes, Greg Gibson is very happy he made and that is so gratifying. It has use of antibiotics in animals. It will also emphaMississippi Farm Bureau Federation and Missisbeen a wonderful experience.” size the importance of free trade and how that sippi agriculture his lifelong career.

— GREG GIBSON affects not only farmers but local economies.

“It says something for a company when “According to the surveys we have conducted its staff members stay so long,” he said. “I’ve after each campaign, what we have done with enjoyed working with the staff, but the thing Farm Families is move the needle forward for agriculture, and that I will miss most is traveling the state, meeting our farmer memis so gratifying,” Greg said. “It has been a wonderful experience.” bers and telling their stories. Agriculture is Mississippi’s No. 1 industry. We must make sure that it remains strong. I hope I HURRICANE KATRINA have made a difference. I know that I did the best I could do Greg is also proud of the Federation’s response to the devasta- with the best intentions.” tion of Hurricane Katrina.

Greg says he looks forward to traveling with his wife, Ruth Ann, “As the director of the Federation’s communications program, I and spending more time with his family, including his 1-year-old was the voice of our farmer members with the media. I talked to grandson. FB

22

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

MAY/JUNE 2018

Evaporation can lower pond water level several feet during the summer, exposing habitat and concentrating fish. (Photo by MSU Extension Service/Wes Neal)

WEATHER PATTERNS IMPACT POND LEVELS

BY DR. WES NEAL, MSU EXTENSION SERVICE, EXTENSION OUTDOORS

Terms like climate change or global warming may elicit different responses, depending on your viewpoint about this, but one thing is certain. Our weather is changing.

Storms and flooding seem more frequent and violent, droughts seem more intense, fires seem more out of control, and sea levels are encroaching our coastal cities. Regardless of the causes or solutions, this is the new reality. These factors will certainly affect Mississippi’s estimated 160,000 ponds.

Unlike most of the United States, Mississippi did not become hotter during the last century, but its rainfall has changed considerably. Annual rainfall has increased overall, but it usually comes in heavier downpours than in the past. This means most of the water runs off into streams instead of percolating into the ground. The result is that our soils have become drier.

Lower soil moisture means less subsurface water flow and falling pond water levels. Sure, the heavy downpours can occasionally fill ponds, but during the dry summer months, ponds lose water more rapidly. You have probably noticed less water in your area’s ponds during recent summers.

Many people see dropping water levels in August and think immediately that their pond is leaking. While this is certainly possible, the pond may simply be suffering from high evaporation losses and limited water resupply. In the heat of summer, it is common to lose up to 1 inch of water per day to evaporation. As summer gets

longer each year, these losses can really add up.

There are ways to combat water losses to evaporation. One possible solution is to increase the size of the pond’s watershed. While this is not possible for all ponds, some are built in a way that a small amount of dirt work can redirect more surface flow into the pond.

This is especially true for ponds in and around agriculture. However, increasing the watershed could increase water during rainy periods, but water levels could still drop during droughts.

Alternatively, pond water can be supplemented with well water.

This is easiest and least expensive for ponds near structures that already have accessible well water. Otherwise, a well would need to be installed — at significant cost.

Well water typically has no oxygen and may have dissolved materials that can be toxic to fish, so it needs to be aerated by spraying or cascading before it enters the pond. Aeration will oxidize metals like iron, which will then sink harmlessly to the bottom. Avoid adding too much water at once, as it could turn the pond over and kill fish. It is probably best to maintain the pond’s full water level, as opposed to filling a partially drained pond.

These two options are expensive and not appropriate for all ponds or budgets. Therefore, some pond owners may be able to reduce the effects of a changing climate, but most of us will probably just have to deal with it. FB

Annual rainfall has increased overall, but it usually comes in heavier downpours than in the past. This means most of the water runs off into streams instead of percolating into the ground. The result is that our soils have become drier.

MAY/JUNE 2018

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

23

Lemon Sedum SelectionS Thrive in Sunny LocationS

BY GARY R. BACHMAN, MSU EXTENSION SERVICE, SOUTHERN GARDENING

A

s we’re working our way through this year’s Mississippi Medallion winners, I now want to look at Sedum rupestre, which is commonly called lemon sedum. The sedums are also called stonecrop, because they are native to the mountainous regions of central and western Europe.

The native species have cylindrical, succulent foliage in various shades of grayish-green. But the new selections, called lemon sedum, have yellow to chartreuse foliage. I really like how the foliage has tinges of rusty red and orange in the cooler winter air.

Of the several selections called lemon sedum, some are strictly annual, while others are perennial in coastal counties. Here are a few to look for this year.

Lemon Coral is a great selection, with bright, chartreuse foliage that really shines when grown in at least filtered sun. Full sun is best.

24

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

The spiky, succulent foliage spreads 12 to 24 inches, requiring a space of 16 to 24 inches to properly grow. It reaches an optimal height of 3 to 6 inches. The mounding growth habit makes it a perfect filler plant in a combination container. This plant pairs well with other sunloving container plants.

Lemon Ball is another fantastic choice. This selection has soft, succulent foliage and is perhaps the most heat tolerant of the lemon sedums. This characteristic makes it ideal for our intense summer conditions. Lemon Ball grows only about 6 inches tall, but it can reach about 3 feet wide where it is perennial.

Angelina is an older selection but still one of the best sedums for foliage use. The brilliant yellow-chartreuse coloration adds a muchneeded cheery color wherever it’s planted.

Lemon sedums are easy to care for and tolerant of moderate MAY/JUNE 2018

Southern Gardening wins another award

BY BONNIE COBLENTZ MSU EXTENSION SERVICE

drought conditions. My favorite growing style is in containers, and I always make sure the root zone is consistently moist. Feed with watersoluble fertilizer on a monthly basis to keep the plants growing and in best condition.

Lemon sedum is a real treat when it blooms, displaying flat-topped groupings of yellow flowers.

Later in the summer, the center of the plant may open up, so don’t be afraid to prune it back to tidy it up. This pruning will promote more

For the adventurous Southern gardener,

lemon sedum would make a great choice for a rock garden on a small, sunny slope. lateral growth and a bushier, fuller plant for the fall. Lemon sedums have no serious pests or diseases to worry about.

For the adventurous Southern gardener, lemon sedum would make a great choice for a rock garden on a small, sunny slope. Make sure the bed is well drained. I imagine a crevice garden, which is currently a hot gardening trend, would be a good growing location.

An easy-to-grow plant like lemon sedum will make your garden and landscape a winner in 2018. FB Dr. Gary Bachman is an Extension and research professor of horticulture at the Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi. He is also the host of the popular Southern Gardening television and radio programs. Contact him at southerngardening@msstate.edu.

Locate Southern Gardening products online at http://extension.msstate.edu/ shows/southern-gardening.

Southern Gardening media products of the Mississippi State University Extension Service once again brought home top honors in competition.

Hosted by Gary Bachman, Extension horticulturist, Southern Gardening is a television program, newspaper column and radio show with a strong online presence. These products are offered weekly throughout the year to the state’s media and directly to consumers across the region.

Southern Gardening received the Blue Ribbon Extension Publication Award from the Southern Region of the American Society for Horticultural Science. This award was formally presented in Jacksonville, Florida, in February.

The award honors Southern Gardening as an example of Extension at its finest, offering exciting and educational work.

“This is truly a team effort, and I thank all my team for their help in this great work of spreading the good news about home and garden horticulture,” Bachman said.

This is not the first regional or national award Southern Gardening has received. In 2012, Southern Gardening received another award from the American Society of Horticultural Science. Since 2014, Southern Gardening has annually received top awards from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents, along with a long list of awards at state competition.

Photos by MSU Extension Service/Gary Bachman.

MAY/JUNE 2018

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

25

2018 Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Conference “Real Conversation, Real Action” was the theme of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) 2018 Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Conference, held in Biloxi in February. Participants gained knowledge about Farm Bureau and the agriculture industry from a roster of excellent speakers. They also had an oppor-

26

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

tunity to network with young farmers from across the state. Pictured with MFBF President Mike McCormick and MFBF YF&R Chair William Tabb is U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, who spoke to the group Friday morning. Also pictured is a group of conference attendees. FB

MAY/JUNE 2018

Mississippi Agriculture Continues to Boost Economy

BY LINDA BREAZEALE, MSU EXTENSION SERVICE

Agriculture continues to do its part to boost Mississippi’s economy. It was a $7.53 billion industry in 2017.

Agricultural economists with the Mississippi State University Extension Service released year-end estimates Dec. 19 on the value of state crops. The top two agricultural commodities are still poultry at $2.8 billion, an increase of 13 percent, and forestry at $1.4 billion, a decline of 8 percent.

“Early expectations are for good reports in most commodities for 2017,” said Brian Williams, Extension agricultural economist.

“Poultry, overall crops and livestock totals should all improve over the 2016 values. The exceptions are forestry, catfish and some individual commodities.”

The next-largest commodity values are soybeans at $1.1 billion and cotton at $562 million, both increases over 2016.

“Cotton had the largest increase in value, with lint up 35 percent and seed up almost 31 percent,” Williams said. “A lot of that improvement is because growers planted more cotton.”

MSU Extension cotton specialist Darrin Dodds said growers expressed their faith in cotton by expanding acreage in 2017. Growers planted about 625,000 acres, compared with 435,000 in 2016.

“Most yields will be down about 200 pounds per acre, but we still made a good crop,” Dodds said. “Unfortunately, it was a very expensive crop to produce because of issues like controlling pigweed and worms.”

Crops with the biggest declines included corn, with an estimated value of $337 million, down 25 percent; hay, $116 million, down 9 percent; rice, $105 million, down 22 percent; and grain sorghum, $1.3 million, down 62 percent.

All of these values dropped largely because of reduced acreage.

Mississippi remains the national leader in catfish production, but catfish ranks No. 7 among the ag commodities in the state.

Economists are predicting a value of almost $181 million, down almost 16 percent.

MAY/JUNE 2018

Extension catfish specialist Jimmy Avery said prices are a big reason for the expected decline in value.

“Prices were down 14-15 percent in 2017, but production remained positive,” Avery said. “In 2018, it will be important for the industry to take advantage of new technologies to help reduce costs. One specific challenge is how to market big fish that are produced under normal production practices.”

Avery said catfish pond acreage most likely will remain near 34,700, but production should go up slightly in 2018.

Williams said livestock’s overall values should improve about 4 percent. Beef cattle are down 4 percent, valued at $285 million. The hog industry had a good year, with the value up 31 percent to $117 million. The milk value is 5 percent higher at $26 million.

“Beef prices were better than in 2016, but production was down, mostly due to last fall’s drought,” Williams said. “We had more hogs in the state in 2017, which contributed to the increase in value.”

Sweet potatoes, the state’s 10th largest agricultural commodity, increased slightly to $123 million. Specialty crops, No. 11, also had a slight increase to a value of $107 million. Peanuts fell into 13th place, with a value of $33 million.

With an estimated value of almost $13 million, wheat finished in 15th place, just ahead of grain sorghum. FB

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

27

Sale of Junior Champions

These pages showcase livestock purchased by Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation and other sponsors at the 2018 Dixie National Sale of Junior Champions. A special thanks to Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company, Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, Tico’s Steakhouse, Hilton Jackson, Mississippi

Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company, Southern Cross (CRC Insurance Services), Matthews, Cutrer & Lindsay, Attala Frozen Foods, Ogletree Deakins, Farm Bureau Bank, N & W Construction Co. Inc., Cabot, First Financial Bank, TeleSouth Communications and Dr. Greg Bohach.

Champion Heavyweight Goat — Ann Wagner, West Lauderdale County FFA MS Bred Reserve Grand Champion Barrow Hog — Briana/Lindsey Middleton, Jones County 4-H/NE Jones FFA

Reserve Champion Division 5 Lamb/MS Bred Champion Division 5 Lamb — Reserve Champion Hampshire Hog — Lexi Gibson, Newton County 4-H/FFA Jorja/Roxie Roberson, Union County 4-H

Reserve Champion Duroc Hog — Rainer/Milla Ledbetter, Humphreys Reserve Champion Light Heavyweight Goat — Kylie Roberts, Smith County 4-H County 4-H 28

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

MAY/JUNE 2018

Reserve Champion Spotted Hog — Emma Grace/Audrey Koger, Humphreys Reserve Champion Lightweight European Steer, MS Bred Champion LightCounty 4-H (MFBF contributed to the purchase of this animal from Farm weight European Steer — ­ Jace Welborn, Jasper County 4-H Bureau members.)

Reserve Grand Champion Steer, Mississippi Bred Grand Champion Steer, Champion Division 1 Lamb, MS Bred Champion Division 1 Lamb — Jacob/Josh Reserve Champion Heavyweight European Steer — Tyler Owen, Jones Bell, Hinds County 4-H (MFBF contributed to the purchase of this animal County 4-H/South Jones FFA (MFBF contributed to the purchase of this from Farm Bureau members.) animal from a Farm Bureau member.)

See Page 5 for Member Benefits!

MAY/JUNE 2018

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

29

Ag Book of the Year The 2018 Ag Book of the Year is “First Peas to the Table” by Susan Grigsby, illustrated by Nicole Tadgell.

Thomas Jefferson loved to garden. In the spring, he and his neighbors competed to see whose peas would be ready to eat first. Two hundred years later, Maya’s class is having its own First Peas to the Table garden contest. Will a secret tip from Thomas Jefferson help Maya win?

This lighthearted classroom story presents scientific and historical information and appealing watercolors with botanical accuracy sure to delight gardeners of any age!

“First Peas to the Table” sells for $10 and includes a teacher’s guide. To order, call Pam Jones at (601) 977-4854. FB

AFBF Convention Highlights

Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) volunteer leaders and staff enjoyed the excellent speakers and events that marked the 2018 American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Convention & IDEAg Trade Show in Nashville in January. Pictured are AFBF Grassroots Outreach (GO) Team member Julie White of Oktibbeha County and AFBF President Zippy Duvall carrying out a pin drop advocacy exercise; state Excellence in Agriculture winner

Austin Smith, who placed in the top-10 finalists in his competition; the 2018 Women Voting Delegates; and MFBF President Mike McCormick. In Awards of Excellence competition, Mississippi received recognition for the following programs: Advocacy, Engagement and Outreach, and Membership Value. Featured speakers at convention included President Donald Trump, Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and entertainer Reba McIntire. FB

Farm Bureau Ambassador Rachel Peeler of New Albany will serve as a spokesperson for Farm Bureau and agriculture at meetings and events around the state this year. She is pictured participating in the 2018 Dixie National Parade.

32

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

MAY/JUNE 2018

Ag Day at the Capitol

This year’s Ag Day at the Capitol was a great success, with volunteer leaders from across the state gathering in Jackson to visit the Capitol and have lunch with their legislators at the First Baptist

Church Jackson Christian Life Center. Luncheon speakers included Commissioner of Agriculture Cindy Hyde-Smith and Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann. FB

Winter Commodity Conference

Excellent speakers and attendance were enjoyed at the 2018 Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Winter Commodity Conference in Jackson. Over 270 Farm Bureau volunteer leaders and staff attended this year. Topics included weather/market predictions, issues facing various commodities, new technologies in both the row crop and livestock industries, and labor issues.

MAY/JUNE 2018

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

33

See Page 5 for Member Benefits!

Ag Mags Available

The Ag Mag children’s newsletter pictured here features land and water. You can order Ag Mags for your local classroom or ag promotion events from our Ag in the Classroom program.

Dairy, corn, poultry, horticulture, cotton, peanut, honey bee, soil, beef and soybean editions are also available.

Contact Pam Jones at: pjones@msfb.org or (601) 977-4854 34

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

MAY/JUNE 2018

MAY/JUNE 2018

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

35