VOLUME 90 NO. 4
JULY/AUGUST 2014
FARM FAMILIES of MISSISSIPPI PROMOTING AGRICULTURE
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A PUBLICATION OF MISSISSIPPI FARM BUREAU FEDERATION • MSFB.ORG
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ORGANIZED NEARLY A CENTURY AGO, FARM BUREAU CONTINUES TO HONOR THE BASIC MISSION OF ITS FOUNDING FATHERS WHILE EXPLORING NEW WAYS TO REMAIN DYNAMIC AND GROWING IN OUR RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD. LYLE AND I DEEPLY APPRECIATE ALL THAT FARM BUREAU DOES EACH YEAR FOR THE FARMERS OF MISSISSIPPI. AS AN ONGOING EFFORT, FARM BUREAU SPEARHEADS A PROGRAM THAT IS RAISING THE VISIBILITY OF AGRICULTURE AND ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO SUPPORT FARMERS AND WHAT THEY DO FOR ALL OF US EVERY DAY. IT IS CALLED FARM FAMILIES OF MISSISSIPPI®. THIS AGRICULTURE PROMOTION CAMPAIGN IS DEDICATED TO EDUCATING CONSUMERS WHO ARE NOT ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN FARMING ABOUT THE BENEFITS WE ALL SHARE FROM AGRICULTURE.
SUE ANN HUBBARD
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Farm Bureau Making a Difference in Your Life I am Sue Ann Hubbard. My husband,
Lyle, and I farm produce and poultry near Prentiss in Jefferson Davis County with the help of our two children, Mark Jeffrey and Sabra. We have been Farm Bureau members since 1998 and volunteer leaders since 2002. Organized nearly a century ago, Farm Bureau continues to honor the basic mission of its founding fathers while exploring new ways to remain dynamic and growing in our rapidly changing world. Lyle and I deeply appreciate all that Farm Bureau does each year for the farmers of Mississippi. I want to talk about a program that Farm Bureau spearheads that is raising the visibility of agriculture and encouraging people to support farmers and what they do for all of us every day. It is called Farm Families of Mississippi.® Farm Families Campaign The Farm Families of Mississippi agriculture promotion campaign is dedicated to educating consumers who are not actively engaged in farming about the benefits we all share from agriculture. Without an appreciaJULY/AUGUST 2014
tion for what it takes to provide the food, fiber and energy that we use, many people might tend to dismiss agriculture as unimportant. In Mississippi, as in so many states, farming is a priority for a multitude of reasons beyond raising crops. It is about having safe and affordable food for our families, but it is also about caring for the environment through soil conservation, wildlife management and wetlands preservation. This year, the Farm Families of Mississippi campaign entered its fifth year. We were in every TV market in Mississippi, plus several shows on Mississippi Public Broadcasting, which is available statewide. Our radio spots could be heard on SuperTalk Mississippi radio and were played on WREB in DeSoto County to reinforce that area of the state plus Memphis. Billboards could be seen across the state. As we wrap up our fifth season and begin planning the sixth, we invite you to join us. More than 250 organizations, businesses and individuals have contributed to this campaign to help tell the story of what farmers do for consumers on a daily basis. But we
could always do more with more resources. If you would like to help the Farm Families of Mississippi campaign, send your tax-deductible contribution to Mississippi Farm Bureau Foundation, Attn: Angela Thompson, P.O. Box 1972, Jackson, MS 39215. You can also purchase the Farm Families car tag. It will cost you an extra $31, but $24 of that goes straight to the campaign. These can be ordered at your county tax collector’s office. For More Information Farm Bureau is a great general farm organization. I invite you to read about the many benefits you gain access to with your Farm Bureau membership. They are listed on the adjoining page. FB In addition to farming, Sue Ann is a clinical professor in the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine Pathobiology/Population Medicine Department. She is Jefferson Davis County Farm Bureau Women’s Chair, and she currently chairs the Farm Families of Mississippi Communications Committee. MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY
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TABLE
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CONTENTS
july / august 2014 Volume 90 Number 4 July/August 2014
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
ADVERTISING Angela Thompson 1-800-227-8244 ext. 4242 FARM BUREAU OFFICERS President — Randy Knight Vice President — Donald Gant Vice President — Ted Kendall Vice President — Reggie Magee Treasurer — Billy Davis Corporate Secretary — Ilene Sumrall
Teacher of the Year
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Farm Bureau Events
The annual women’s leadership and secretaries’ conferences were held in April. We look back on these events through photos.
DEPARTMENTS 2
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 spearheads the awardwinning, statewide Farm Families of Mississippi agriculture promotion campaign. Read about this program on pages 3 and 6.
Todd Willis of Pleasant Hill Elementary School in Olive Branch is the 2014 Teacher of the Year. Come with us as we visit his classroom.
FARM BUREAU DIRECTORS Dr. Jim Perkins, Iuka Lowell Hinton, Corinth Tommy Swindoll, Hernando Chris Lively, Clarksdale Tripp Thomas, Batesville Kelcey Shields, Mantachie Herbert Word, Okolona Kenneth King, Ackerman Pepper Beard, Coila Jimmy Whitaker, Satartia Kenneth Thompson, Philadelphia Vander Walley, Waynesboro Quinton Mills, Forest David C. Barton, Raymond Robert Earl McGehee Jr., Brookhaven Mike McCormick, Union Church Bobby Selman, Monticello Larry Jefcoat, Soso J. B. Brown, Perkinston Louis J. Breaux IV, Kiln Betty Mills, Winona Mallory Sayle, Lake Cormorant
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.
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EDITOR — Glynda Phillips
HONORARY VICE PRESIDENT Louis J. Breaux III
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Member Benefits 6 President’s Message 8 Commodity Update: Hortculture 10 Commodity Update: Poultry 18 Strolling: Sam Scott
About The Cover Sue Ann Hubbard chairs the Farm Families of Mississippi® Communications Committee. She and her family farm poultry and produce in Jefferson Davis County. Read her thoughts about the Farm Families of Mississippi agriculture promotion campaign on page 3.
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P R E S I D E N T’S M E S S A G E Randy Knight, President, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation
Farm Families of Mississippi® Summer is one of my favorite seasons. After the cold winter and wet, chilly spring we experienced this year, it is more than welcome. Farmers hate being confined to an office, and we are never happier than when we are out in our fields, working with our crops and livestock. The focus of my column this time centers on our farmers and the Farm Families of Mississippi agriculture promotion campaign. The program, which entered its fifth successful season in 2014, is dedicated to raising the visibility of agriculture and encouraging people to support farmers and what they do for all of us every single day. A GREAT CAMPAIGN
This year, the Farm Families of Mississippi campaign was in every television market in Mississippi, plus several shows on Mississippi Public Broadcasting, which is available statewide. The radio spots could be heard on SuperTalk Mississippi radio and were played on WREB in DeSoto County to reinforce that area of the state plus Memphis. Billboards could be seen across the state. Even though Farm Bureau spearheads the Farm Families of Mississippi campaign, everyone involved in agriculture and everyone who depends on farmers for their food, energy and fiber should have an interest in this important effort. I invite you to read Sue Ann Hubbard’s thoughts on page 3. Sue Ann chairs the Farm Families of Mississippi Communications 6
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Committee, and she and her family farm poultry and produce in Jefferson Davis County. We are blessed to have the Hubbards in our Farm Bureau family. For more information about the Farm Families of Mississippi agriculture promotion campaign as well as the Farm Families vehicle tag which helps support this effort, contact Greg Gibson at (601) 977-4154.
account each year. For more information, visit our website at www.msfb.org or contact your county Farm Bureau office to obtain a form. Speaking of great ideas, I want to express my thanks to you, our Farm Bureau volunteer leaders and staff, for your willingness to explore new and innovative ways of carrying out the business of your organization. Farm Bureau is rooted in the past, but you never fail to keep your eyes fixed firmly on the future. In these rapidly changing times, that is so important. I appreciate your efforts more than you will ever know.
MORE INNOVATIVE IDEAS
LEGISLATIVE RECAP
I hope by now you have received your I am proud to announce that Mississippi redesigned Farm Bureau membership bill- Farm Bureau Federation achieved great sucing. The new look is both attractive and cess during the 2014 Regular Session of the functional, allowing us to provide you with Mississippi Legislature, influencing and supmore information on the many services and porting legislation that will have a lasting benefits available to Farm Bureau members. impact on agriculture and forestry. After your dues payment has been received As a result of Farm Bureau’s efforts, legand processed, you will receive a newly islation was passed that will provide for the designed membership continuation of fundI WANT TO EXPRESS MY THANKS card made of a much ing for the agricultural more durable material programs at our state’s TO YOU, OUR FARM BUREAU than the old paper verland-grant universities. VOLUNTEER LEADERS AND STAFF, sion. It is an attractive FOR YOUR WILLINGNESS TO EXPLORE Farm Bureau also worked card that you will be closely with legislators NEW AND INNOVATIVE WAYS OF proud to show when you and other organizations CARRYING OUT THE BUSINESS OF are taking advantage of to achieve these addiFarm Bureau’s member- YOUR ORGANIZATION. FARM BUREAU tional goals: extend the IS ROOTED IN THE PAST, BUT YOU ship services and benefits. agritourism limited liaAnd don’t forget that bility law and increase NEVER FAIL TO KEEP YOUR EYES you can now pay your the penalties for illegally FIXED FIRMLY ON THE FUTURE. annual Farm Bureau transporting a wild hog. membership dues and PIC contributions I invite you to read the legislative recap through electronic funds transfer. If you inside this issue of our membership magasign up for the service, these funds will zine, and once again, thanks for all you do be automatically drafted from your bank for Farm Bureau. FB JULY/AUGUST 2014
COMMODITY UPDATE: Horticulture
Farm Bill Offers Help to Specialty Crops Sector
Jason Ellzey
MFBF Horticulture Commodity Advisory Committee Chair
Horticulture producers scored a major victory for their operations when the Agricultural Act of 2014, also known as the Farm Bill, was passed in February. It will offer much-needed assistance to specialty crops across the country. Mississippi’s specialty crops sector will see great benefits from this increase in funding. Federal spending has been a small share but has been considerably expanded in the 2014 Farm Bill and includes an overall increase of investment of 55 percent over 2008 Farm Bill funding levels in critical produce industry initiatives and programs. (United Fresh) These programs include the State Block Grant Program, Specialty Crops Research Initiative, a new fruit and vegetable incentive grant program for SNAP recipients and the pest and disease prevention program, along with maintaining funding in the Market Access Program and the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. These programs are designed to help the producer while helping to provide fresh fruit and vegetables to elementary schools and lower-income Mississippians. The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program provided Mississippi $2,424,369 to fund fruit and vegetable snacks in 92 elementary schools this year. WIC provides Mississippi participants an estimated $5.2 million annually in fruit and vegetable vouchers. (United Fresh) These numbers all help contribute to the overall value of the specialty crops of Mississippi. In 2013, 18,298 acres across 1,182 farms were in fruit, tree nut and berry production with a total value of $33,498,000. About 30,711 acres across 1,156 farms produced vegetables, potatoes and melons for a total value of $82,498,000. (United Fresh) 8
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There were over 80 farmers markets selling fruits and vegetables in Mississippi for 2013. With the increased funding, we could see an increase in farmers markets across the state making fresh fruits and vegetables more available to Mississippi residents. The Farm Bill addresses issues that concern the floriculture nursery industry as well. The critical pest and disease research program coordinated by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) was increased from $50 million per year to $62.5 million in each year for the next four years and $75 million in 2018, with a minimum of $5 million targeted to the National Clean Plant Network. This funding is aimed at research projects to stem the effect of new invasive insects and diseases. Specialty Crop Block Grant funding is increased from $50 million per year to $72.5 million per year for the next four years and to $85 million per year in 2018. Block grants have provided funding for important state initiatives to promote flower and plant production. Overall, Mississippi specialty crop producers should realize an increased amount of support in the coming years. For more information regarding the 2014 Farm Bill and other issues concerning the horticulture industry in Mississippi, plan to attend the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation’s 2014 Summer Horticulture Commodity Meeting on July 10 at the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation office in Jackson. Dr. Alba J. Collart, associate Extension professor, Department of Agriculture Economics, Mississippi State University, will be a featured
Kevin Brown
MFBF Commodity Coordinator for Horticulture
speaker to answer any questions on the 2014 Farm Bill. Dan Bremer with AgWorksH2 will be speaking on labor issues and how to comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Migrant/Seasonal Agricultural Protection Act and a myriad of other United States Department of Labor (USDOL) regulations. For more information on Mississippi horticulture, see the AgMag newsletter inside this issue of our membership magazine. The next issue of Mississippi Farm Country magazine will look at state fruit and vegetable production. Mike Ferguson of Tate County will now chair the committee. Mike was appointed to this position by MFBF President Randy Knight. FB WOMEN’S AG TOUR
The two-day Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Women’s Ag Tour will be held Oct. 2-3 in the Mississippi Delta. If you’d like to participate, contact your county Farm Bureau or the MFBF Women’s Program at (601) 977-4245. AG BOOK OF THE YEAR
The Agricultural Book of the Year for 2014 is “Seed, Soil, Sun” by Cris Peterson. The book educates youth about the soil’s connection to growing crops and feeding humans and animals. Copies of “Seed, Soil, Sun” can be ordered by contacting Clara Bilbo or Pam Jones at 1-800-227-8244, ext. 4245 or ext. 4854. You may also contact your county Farm Bureau office. The cost of the book is $6 plus $2 shipping. The educator’s guide developed for the book is available for an additional $3.50. JULY/AUGUST 2014
Summary of Legislative Session B Y S A M A N T H A C AW T H O R N N E W M A N — M F B F P U B L I C P O L I C Y D I R E C T O R
The 2014 Regular Session of the Mississippi Legislature ended late on the night of April 2, 2014. Gov. Phil Bryant called a special session within the regular session hours before adjournment to deal with the failed MDOT and State Aid Road budgets and a bill dealing with additional district attorneys, but issues were resolved. The regular session ended four days ahead of the scheduled final day, and legislators went home early, saving taxpayers money. The 2015 Regular Session of the Mississippi Legislature will convene Jan. 6, 2015, for a 90-day term. The following are significant bills supported by Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation that were passed into law during the 2014 legislative session: Agritourism – Extends the liability protection for the agritourism operations law until 2018. This law helps to better promote agritourism activities in Mississippi and grow an understanding of agriculture. The
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operator must register with the Department of Agriculture and Commerce to receive the limited liability.
domesticated fish, commercial horticulture, dairies and irrigation of crops. This law goes into effect July 1, 2014.
Wild Hogs – Raises the penalty for transporting a wild hog without a permit from a Class III ($25-$100) violation to a Class II ($100-$500) violation per hog. The law allows for legal transportation of wild hogs through a Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks permit that is issued through a 24-hour call-in system. A hog may be transported alive for slaughter purposes with a permit. A person caught transporting a wild hog without a permit is also subject to the loss of hunting/fishing/trapping privileges for one year. The law maintains the Class I ($2,000 -$5,000) violation if a person is caught releasing a wild hog into the wild.
APPROPRIATIONS BILLS Funding – The success of Mississippi agriculture depends on the research, education and services provided by our land-grant universities. During the 2014 regular session, Farm Bureau was able to help secure an increase in funding for the Mississippi State University Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine and Alcorn State University agriculture programs.
Sales Tax Exemption – Allows for agriculture to be exempt from a 1.5% sales tax on energy. The exemption includes the following operations: poultry, livestock,
NATIONAL NEWS Farm Bill – We are in the process of implementing the 2014 Farm Bill. The House and Senate passed the Farm Bill in early February with the support of the entire Mississippi congressional delegation. The United States Department of Agriculture is in the process of implementing the programs and announcing sign-up dates.
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COMMODITY UPDATE: Poultry
Backyard Poultry
Kirby Mauldin
MFBF Poultry Commodity Advisory Committee Chair
At one time, raising chickens in the backyard for meat and egg production was a common practice in Mississippi. With greater availability of commercial poultry products and as families became busier, this practice waned. However, more recently, raising backyard poultry has grown in popularity in Mississippi, not only as a source of locally produced meat and eggs, but also as a mechanism for teaching youth responsibility and a good work ethic. Maintaining a backyard flock is a way for many Mississippians to “get back to the basics� with a relatively cheap and easy production system that can be successful in both rural and more metropolitan areas. Whatever the reason for the sparked interest in a backyard flock, it is always important to do your research and have knowledge of what you may be getting into before getting started. GETTING STARTED
It is important to remember that raising poultry requires time, proper care and money. Even though poultry is considered one of the cheapest and easiest livestock to raise, it still requires some investment of time and money. First, consider why you would like to raise poultry, whether for meat or egg production. Certain breeds are bred to lay eggs and others are selected for meat production. Those who make great layers generally are not good meat birds and vice versa. Some breeds are considered dual purpose, meaning they will not excel at egg production or meat production but will be good at both and could be used for either. Once a breed or breeds are selected, it is necessary to decide whether you would like 10
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to start with the incubation period or just begin with baby chicks. HATCHING CHICKS
If you are going to incubate eggs, there are a few major details to know. Chicken eggs should hatch at 21 days of incubation. Therefore, you can set your eggs to hatch around your own schedule if need be. Temperature and proper humidity are crucial! The ideal temperature for chicken eggs
is 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and humidity should be around 55 percent initially and 60-65 percent during the last three days of incubation. Eggs should also be rotated from side to side to prevent the yolk from being pressed to one side of the egg and preventing development. This rotation should happen no less than four times a day; therefore, it may be beneficial to invest in an incubator with an automatic turner. Once eggs are set in an incubator at the correct temperature and humidity, they can also be candled to determine if they are viable. This can be done with any type of light source in a dark area at approximately 10 days of incubation. A large vascular system should be observed within the egg. If the egg does not have this appearance at 10 days, it can be discarded to help prevent the possibility of rotten eggs at hatch.
Jon Kilgore
MFBF Commodity Coordinator for Poultry
Once chicken eggs reach 18 days of incubation, they need to be removed from turners. Or if they are being manually turned, they no longer need turning. Once chicks reach 21 days of incubation, it is important to have the brooding environment ready; however, do not remove them from the incubator until they are fluffed and no longer have a wet appearance. BROODING CHICKS
When starting with just chicks or if your own chicks are now hatched, the brooding phase begins. Chicks should be kept in an area that is large enough for them to move around but not so large they are able to stray away from their heating source and not return easily. A heat source has to be provided that keeps the brooding area at approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit at chick level. A heat source is usually from a heat lamp. This gives an area that is heated, and the chicks can migrate back and forth from the heat source slightly. It is also important to decrease the temperature as the chicks age, generally about 5 degrees each week until 70 degrees is reached. Food and water should be ad libitum and placed fairly close to the heat source. Additionally, the flooring should be a rough surface to prevent chicks from slipping and injuring their legs. The most commonly used flooring material consists of pine shavings. Pine shavings are not the only option, but make sure whatever is used does not get slick or hold moisture. It is also recommended that hardwood shavings not be used because they are a good source for producing mold. Observation is key to successfully brooding chicks. If chicks are happy, they JULY/AUGUST 2014
will generally not be too noisy. Temperature can even be adjusted based upon observation of chicks. If they are huddling under the heat source, they are probably too cold. If they are trying to move away from the source and/or panting, they are most likely too hot. HOUSING
Once the brooding phase is complete, chickens can be moved into their longterm living area. When constructing a pen, it is important to remember the health and safety of your flock. Coops can get as elaborate as one wants or can be simple but should always provide shelter/safety, food and water. This will help ensure that your flock will be healthy and happy. Birds will need approximately three square feet per bird. Depending on the breed, this could vary a bit but should be adequate for most. Again, observation can be key in spacing for birds. If they become aggressive, this could be a sign of inadequate spacing. Remember, chickens are an easy prey and should be well protected. Being mindful of how vulnerable your flock can be is important when making decisions on housing. Some people choose to allow their flock to be free-range or pastureraised. However, this can pose major issues and allow your flock to become more susceptible to disease and predation. Coops or pens should prevent entry from the ground, side and even the top to protect birds from predators and disease. It is also important to remember birds are most vulnerable during nesting and sleeping, so it is a good idea to lock birds up in a coop/house at night. Also, it is recommended that the back portion of your nest box be solid. When installing nest boxes, approximately one nest box is needed for every four hens. The material used inside JULY/AUGUST 2014
the nest box should be kept clean and not be a egg and meat production will decrease. good hiding area for rodents. Some nest boxes I would recommend starting with a will have a simple rubber mat in the bottom medicated chick feed. This can help boost that can easily be removed, cleaned, and the immune system and keep them healthy does not supply rodents and pests with a during a vulnerable stage of the grow-out good hiding space. period. At approximately It is very important to six weeks of age, start feedremember safety in whatever ing a grower-type feed. It coop design is used; however, IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER would be beneficial to have sanitation is just as important. THAT RAISING POULTRY REQUIRES some type of coccidiostat in Keeping your coop clean can TIME, PROPER CARE AND MONEY. your feed at this age as well. EVEN THOUGH POULTRY IS CONSIDhelp decrease disease risk Coccidiosis is a common illERED ONE OF THE CHEAPEST AND and prevent pest and rodent ness seen in backyard flocks EASIEST LIVESTOCK TO RAISE, IT problems. It will also allevi- STILL REQUIRES SOME INVESTMENT and feeding a mixed diet ate stress to your flock so that complete with coccidiostats OF TIME AND MONEY. egg or meat production can will prevent this parasitic be maximized. Water and feed should be kept disease from attacking your flock. The last clean at all times; additionally, feed should diet given to your flock, a layer pellet or finbe stored in a dry area that is sealed, and isher, will be at 14 weeks of age and through spills should be cleaned immediately. Nest the rest of their lifespan. boxes as well as flooring material should be cleaned regularly. Just because chickens are EGG OR MEAT PRODUCTION an outdoor livestock does not mean they Once your flock reaches a mature age, should be messy or have an odor. If sanita- you can begin to harvest them for meat or tion is a priority, your production and health use them for egg production. Younger birds should be better within your flock. can be harvested for more meat tenderness, but if you want to raise them to lay, age so NUTRITION that eggs can be set and hatched for a new Along with good safety and sanitation flock prior to rendering. maximizing egg and meat production, nutriEgg production will generally begin on tion will also play a large role in increasing average around 20 weeks of age, but this can production. It is very important to make sure vary depending on the breed type. Birds should your flock is getting a balanced diet. Premixed lay almost every day if they are a breed designed feed is usually the easiest and cheapest way to for lay, once they reach peak production feed your flock. This way, you will also know (approximately 35 weeks of age). They are seaexactly what they are obtaining nutritionally. sonal layers, therefore, if an artificial light source Even though it is nice to give your chickens is not provided, it is important to remember scratch feed and, in some cases, scraps or let that lay will decrease during the winter months them range free, these items have little or no and be optimal during summer months. nutritional value for your birds. Therefore, If you would like to render some of your they will consume them and not eat the flock for meat but still maintain a portion feed that has nutritional value and, in turn, Continued on page 32 MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY
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F A R M E R
S P O T L I G H T
“MY FATHER FARMED HERE, AND I GREW UP FARMING. MATTHEW WAS RIDING ON THE COTTON PICKER WITH ME WHEN HE WAS JUST TWO OR THREE AND WORKING ON IT WHEN HE WAS 13 OR 14, AND ANYTHING THAT NEEDED DOING, HE LEARNED TO DO IT.” DAVID BOYD, FARMER
FARMING near JACKSON
Boyd family members have been farming
for decades in the Sandhill community in central Mississippi, about 20 miles northeast of Jackson. “Jackson used to be farther away,” laughs David Boyd. “It seems every year it gets closer — new subdivisions, businesses, schools, churches. And just to the west of us is the Ross Barnett Reservoir, a major recreational and residential area. Development is farming’s biggest competitor. With land going for $5,000 an acre or more, expansion’s pretty much out of question for us.” The Boyds have 10 different landlords for rented land, David says, but all the fields are fairly contiguous — “three miles is about as far as we go in any direction.” On this last day of March, while waiting for the ground to dry enough so he and son Matthew can finish planting corn, David stands in a grove of newly-leafing oak trees near the house where he grew up. He gazes out across a 150-acre field that abuts the Hwy. 25/Sandhill Road interchange, a steady stream of cars and trucks moving on the highway. “This used to be ‘way out in the country,’” he says. “My father farmed here, and I grew up farming. Matthew was riding on the cotton picker with me when he was just two or three and working on it when he was 13 or 14, and anything that needed doing, he learned to do it.” Matthew smiles. “As long as I can remember, all I ever wanted to do was farm — and that’s all I’ve ever done,” he said. “I came home from community college and went right to farming. I haven’t regretted it.” David and Matthew formed a partnership in 1990. As was the case in much of agriculture in that period, farming had been a struggle in the 1980s, David says. “But we had a couple of good crop years in the early ‘90s that got us above water, followed by not-so-good crops in 1995 and
1997. But we’ve managed to hang on, and the last few years have been good in terms of yield and prices.” David says his family grew cotton for 37 years, “but it got to the point that we were just losing too much money on it. From 1995 to 1997, we fought bollworms, drought and 50-cent prices. Yields were down, costs were up, and in 1998, we just got out. “I grew up in a cotton culture — my father grew it — and there’s just something satisfying about growing a good cotton crop. I think about cotton every now and then, but (he laughs) I quickly get over it!” Soybeans and corn represent the current crop mix for the Boyds. They sell their beans and some of their corn to Bunge at Yazoo City. But Matthew says, “Most of our corn is sold through a broker to poultry operations in the area.” “We added a 15,000-bushel grain storage bin in 2009 and another in 2011,” David says. “This has helped us smooth out our harvesting and marketing.” In terms of labor on the farm, he says, “It’s just us. My other sons, Philip and Andy, have jobs outside farming. A neighbor helps us some during ground prep and harvest times.” While opportunities for expanding their row crop operation are limited, the Boyds have partnered with neighboring farmer, Roy Nichols, and his wife, A.B., in an agritourism operation called Nichols-Boyd Pumpkin Patch. “This was started in 1997,” David says, “and the response continues to grow each year. It’s open the month of October and will bring in several thousand visitors. Many are from the Jackson metroplex, but we draw from a 100-mile radius, and some come from even longer distances. We’re blessed to have a number of retirees and school moms who are available to help us during that period.
“We’ll plant about two acres of pumpkins each year — mostly a volleyball-size variety that the kids can handle easily. We have a lot of fun things for the kids: hayrides, animals for viewing — last year, in addition to the usual farm animals and deer, we included a camel, a Watusi steer and donkeys — and we tell them about farming and how food is produced, with an emphasis on the grains we grow. They can feed the catfish in our ponds, and there are hay bales and rope swings to play on, games and other fun activities.” “We try to make visits for the kids an educational experience; there are informational posters to tell them how the crops we grow are used to produce their food, clothing and other everyday products. And there are displays of old farm equipment and other items from earlier times. We do tours for schoolkids during the week, and on weekends, the general public is invited. Birthday parties can also be scheduled, and there are various activities for adults and senior citizens. “There is also a corn maze, which we plant in July, that covers 3 to 3 ½ acres. And we have T-shirts for sale. We start promoting the pumpkin patch to area schools in April, so they can get it on their calendars.” Matthew is president of the Rankin County Farm Bureau and serves on the board of directors of the Soil Conservation District and the Lake Harbor Fire Department. David is a former president of the Rankin County Farm Bureau and a former member of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors. Both men are active in church. FB
This article appeared in Delta Farm Press, and is reprinted here with permission. The photo of the men is also compliments of Delta Farm Press. The article was edited down to fit the magazine format. To see the full article, visit www.deltafarmpress.com. Writer and Editorial Director Hembree Brandon is a past recipient of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Ag Ambassador Award.
BY HEMB REE B RANDO N JULY/AUGUST 2014
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T E A C H E R
O F
T H E
Y E A R
TEACHING KIDS TO APPRECIATE AGRICULTURE How long has it been since you walked
in the rain, caught fireflies on a summer’s eve or held a frog in your cupped hands. And when’s the last time you closed your eyes and simply listened to the wind in the trees? If you are a farmer, you will probably answer, “a minute ago.” Farmers work closely with nature year-round. Children also appreciate the outdoors. They are exploring and learning about the world around them, and they don’t take a single thing for granted. If you are a kid and you have a teacher like Todd Willis who grew up on a farm and remembers how great it feels to live close to the land, you are very lucky indeed. TODD’S CLASSROOM
Visit Todd’s third-grade math, science and social studies classroom at Pleasant Hill Elementary School in Olive Branch and you will discover that he has brought the outdoors inside. You will find a turtle and a frog, a gecko and a bearded dragon, guppies, baby chicks, mice, guinea pigs and meal worms. His students feed and water them, handle and observe them. Students must answer questions about the critters and about the garden they tend right outside their classroom
window. They grow plants from seeds under a grow light then transplant them into containers that form a large outdoor “garden” consisting of potatoes, onions,
around the pool and observe. They catch tadpoles. They sit near the pool, close their eyes and identify birdcalls. One night, Todd, his students and some parents camped out in tents in the school atrium and held a “frog gig.” They took their flashlights and sacks out to the vernal pool, caught some frogs, studied them and let them go. FARM LIFE
strawberries, cabbage, peppers, tomatoes and flowers. Each student is assigned a number, and each container is labeled with one of those numbers. The kids also learn to identify birds, insects and bird calls. They have a chicken coop with chickens that lay eggs. They even tend bottle calves. Under Todd’s supervision, his students frequently visit a knee-deep vernal pool (wetlands area), which forms each spring from rain runoff water. The pool mainly attracts frogs, but it is also home to certain species of plants and birds. The kids walk
“I’ve wanted to teach my whole life, and I just didn’t listen to my heart,” Todd said. “For many years, I worked in banking and real estate. When my wife and I began homeschooling our four children, who were showing dairy cows and dairy goats in 4-H, I realized how much I wanted to teach other kids about nature and farm life in a classroom setting.” So Todd went back to school at night and earned his master’s degree. After working as a substitute teacher for a while, he was offered a full-time teaching position at Pleasant Hill. He set up the “naturecentered” classroom he’d always dreamed of having, bringing in the small animals and decorating the walls with posters and charts of Mississippi birds, insects, reptiles and amphibians. He added artwork depicting Mississippi ag commodities.
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From left, Dr. Sandy Slocum, Todd Willis and Deniese Swindoll
Todd formed a farm club with his students and set up a farmers market in the school atrium. The farmers market, funded by a grant from Southeast United Dairy Industry Association (SUDIA), sells breakfast items, and the proceeds fund the farm club. “We started with hot chocolate and sold 400 cups in five minutes,” he said with a smile. “Now we have juice, milk, yogurt, cheese and other items.” When his first class moved up to fourth grade, they wanted to continue the farm club so he formed a club that meets after school. He may well be asked to form yet another club when his current students move up. Todd uses his ag-related activities as incentives for on-task learning and classroom management. The students love them just that much. “I grew up on a farm, so I have a deep love and appreciation for farming,” Todd said. “It was natural that I would want my students to experience farm life, too. We have let the world out-teach us and spread false information about farming. I hope that what I am doing will go a long way toward correcting that misinformation.” Todd is supported in his classroom efforts by school administrators, many of whom also grew up on farms. Visit the library, and you will see a farm theme there, too.
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County Farm Bureau. Dr. Sandy Slocum Todd was recently named the 2014 helped Todd’s children show dairy cows in 4-H Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) when they were growing up. Now retired from Teacher of the Year. Carol Davis Smith, a past Extension, she is working part-time with the MFBF Teacher of the Year, DeSoto and Tate County teaches English and readFarm Bureau women’s coming to Todd’s math, science mittees, helping with the Ag and social studies students, “I’VE WANTED TO TEACH MY WHOLE in the Classroom segment so these kids are doubly of their programs. LIFE, AND I JUST DIDN’T LISTEN TO blessed. Mississippi Agriculture MY HEART,” TODD SAID. “FOR MANY “Farm Bureau has been Commissioner Cindy YEARS, I WORKED IN BANKING AND wonderful to us,” Todd Hyde-Smith visited REAL ESTATE. WHEN MY WIFE AND said. “My class visited Todd’s classroom in late I BEGAN HOMESCHOOLING OUR the Swindolls’ farm in April and thanked him FOUR CHILDREN, WHO WERE SHOWHernando and watched for teaching children to a rice harvest. Deniese appreciate farm life. She ING DAIRY COWS AND DAIRY GOATS Swindoll gave us a lesson pledged support to help IN 4-H, I REALIZED HOW MUCH I in rice milling. Pleasant Hill Elementary WANTED TO TEACH OTHER KIDS “We planted cotton become a model school ABOUT NATURE AND FARM LIFE IN and sweet corn here at the for agriculture-enhanced A CLASSROOM SETTING.” school, and our farm club education on an elemenTODD WILLIS watered the crops during tary-school level. the summer months. In As 2014 MFBF Teacher the fall when we harvested the cotton, Deniese of the Year, Todd will receive an expenseand Sandy brought us the Farm Bureau paid trip to the 2014 National Agriculture mobile cotton gin. We were able to gin our in the Classroom Conference in Hershey, own cotton. Deniese is great, and it’s a joy to Pennsylvania. FB have Sandy back.” Deniese Swindoll is the Mississippi Farm Todd and his wife, Denise, have four kids, Tori, Bureau Federation Region 1 Women’s Chair. Tyler, Timmy and Tabitha. Two are in college She also serves as women’s chair for DeSoto and two are at home. TEACHER OF THE YEAR
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OLLING R ST
Life Scott Peck begins his famous “The Road Less Traveled” with a very short sentence: “Life is difficult.” Most of us would agree with that and have a list of reasons why it applies to us. Or so we think. But as with many questions, we must reply with the question: “Compared to what?” In this digital, computerized world where ever yone seems to demand both instant gratification and instant answers, I am, in many ways, lost but not here. My both instant and longconsidered answer is by Sam Scott read “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankel, a book first written in 1946 with numerous editions since and millions of copies in print. His “what” experience was spending (and surviving) three years in Nazi concentration camps, Auschwitz, Dachau and others. He eventually wrote 32 books translated into 26 or more languages and was a world-famous professor of neurology and psychiatry. When World War II started, he practiced at the University of Vienna Hospital, and as the Nazis took over country after country, it became obvious that his Jewish
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family and millions of others were in great danger. Hitler had devised “the final solution,” which was to exterminate the Jewish race. In what is now known as the Holocaust, his henchmen managed to kill at least six million Jews. Viktor Frankel could have escaped and was offered an immigration visa by the American Consulate in Vienna. His parents urged him to accept it. As he was talking with his father about it, he saw on a table a small piece of marble and, inquiring, learned his father picked it up on the site of the oldest temple in Vienna, which the Nazis had burned to the ground. It was from a tablet of the Ten Commandments and one Hebrew letter was on it. When he asked which one, his father told him: “Honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land.” He decided right then to stay with his family and the American visa lapsed. They were all arrested and deported to concentration camps, and his parents and wife perished there as millions did. Viktor survived and explains it by saying that though he had no control over what his captors did or didn’t do to him he could control how he reacted to it. He quotes Nietzsche that if a person has a why to live he can bear many hows. His life in a concentration camp was horrible to endure
and not so easy to read about except for the examples he provides us of not only surviving but prevailing. We see both the worst side of mankind and the best, and this makes us realize our own problems are not so great and proves the amazing power of hope. Before the war, he had already begun to develop a theory called “logo therapy” from the Greek word logos or meaning. He taught that meaning in life was necessary to achieve happiness and fulfillment. His imperative was: Live life as if you were living for the second time and had acted as wrongly the first time as you are about to act now. He also believes his saga is living testimony to the defiant power of the human spirit. The lessons are many, and the exposure to them is deep and rich. From subhuman living, tattooed as prisoner 119,104, he was able to rise up, start again and achieve greatness. Such is, or at least can be, life. FB Retired attorney Sam Scott worked with Farm Bureau for many years and continues writing for Mississippi Farm Country. You may contact him by emailing kdroge@msfb.org. The subject discussed above and opinions and comments therein are solely those of the author.
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New Membership Billing/ Membership Card
W
e are proud of the new look of our membership billing and membership card. We began using the new membership billing format in February 2014. This new design allows us to provide more information on the many services and benefits available to you as a Farm Bureau member and includes contact information for your county Farm Bureau office. Please complete the information requested, detach the appropriate section as indicated, fold and return along with your check made payable to your county Farm Bureau in the “self-mailer” envelope provided with the billing. After your dues payment has been received and processed, you will receive
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your newly-designed membership card. This card replaces the traditional perforated paper membership card. Made of a much more durable material, it is a very attractive card that you will be proud to show when you are taking advantage of your membership benefits and services. FB ANOTHER WAY TO PAY DUES
Don’t forget that you can now pay your annual Farm Bureau membership dues and PIC contributions through electronic funds transfer. Simply sign up for the service and these funds will be automatically drafted from your bank account each year. For more information, visit our website at www.msfb.org or contact a county Farm Bureau office to obtain a form.
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D’Lo Water Park B Y G LY N D A P H I L L I P S
you are interested in canoeing, kayak-
ing or tubing down a scenic river within driving distance of Jackson or Hattiesburg, or if you simply enjoy fishing, camping or swimming in a peaceful nature setting, the folks at D’Lo Water Park invite you to visit their facilities. The park is located in the town of D’Lo just off Highway 49 about two miles north of Mendenhall. “We have a nice place that we’re proud of. We’re situated on the Strong River, which offers white sand and rock beaches, waterfalls and languidly flowing water,” said Patricia Smith, director and manager of D’Lo Water Park. The park has one 2-bedroom/2-bath cabin, two picnic pavilions with grills, 22 RV/camper hookup sites, 200 primitive campsites, a bathhouse, a bait store (live bait and lures), a quarter-mile walking track and two children’s playgrounds. The park offers two lighted softball fields and is considering building a basketball/tennis court in the future. D’Lo Water Park has complete canoe outfitting and shuttle services. “The Strong River joins the Pearl River in Georgetown, and a float can be planned
to last from one hour to ten hours,” Patricia said. “Shuttle pickup points are located along the route. We offer discounts for group canoeing, kayaking or tubing.
“The Strong River is one of the very best small rivers in the South to fish,” she added. The healthy fish population is attributed to the quality of water in the stream. There are no dams on the Strong River or on any of its larger tributaries, which are also excellent fishing streams. Together with Merit Water Park, the water park in D’Lo consists of some 74 acres. It is owned by the Pearl River Basin Development District and is operated and maintained by the Simpson County Board of Supervisors. Rials Creek at Merit Water Park joins the Strong River behind Eason’s Fish House near Mendenhall.
SPECIAL EVENTS
D’Lo Water Park is open year-round and enjoys thousands of visitors from across the state and nation. Weddings, birthdays, reunions, gospel sings, corporate events and scout meetings are just some of the events that are held there annually. “We try to keep something going for kids year-round,” Patricia said. “Our annual Easter egg hunt enjoyed approximately 300 children this year. We also hold a Kids Day at the Park each year with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.” CHECK IT OUT
As an interesting sidenote, Patricia says the Dixie National Rodeo Wagon Train always stops by on its way to Jackson for the parade and rodeo. “I invite you to visit D’Lo Water Park,” she said. “We’d love to have you.” FB For more information, call (601) 847-4310 or visit the website at www.dlowaterpark.com. A special thanks to T.J. Barnes for his help with this article.
D’LO WATER PARK HISTORY Lo Water Park is approximately 50 years old. It was constructed by the Pearl River Basin Development District and the Simpson County Board of Supervisors. The park is owned by the Pearl River Basin Development District and is operated and maintained by the Simpson County Board of Supervisors. D’Lo Water Park is located on what was once sacred land to the Choctaws. As late as 1824, the Choctaws were holding a ritualistic ceremony on the banks of the Strong River adjacent to Jaynes’ Falls. At the sacred falls, the river makes a musical sound much like humming or a strumming harp. The sound is said to be made by trapped air bubbles in the underwater fissures and scour-pockets of the streambed as the river flows over the falls — the lower the water, the more audible the sound.
Strong River takes its name from the Choctaw words “boke” or “bogue homi.” The English translation of the words is “creek bitter” or “creek strong tasting.” The name has nothing to do with the present-day physical characteristics of the stream. D’Lo dates back to the early 1800s. A former mill town called Millhaven, D’Lo was renamed when it was incorporated following the Civil War. At that time, its name became De’l’eau, a French word that means “of water.” Research by University of Southern Mississippi anthropology graduate students reflects that an early French map of the region shows the confluence of the Strong River and Sellers Creek at the spot nearly exactly where D’Lo sits today. The name De’l’eau was accepted but shortened and spelled phonetically. The new spelling became simply D’Lo. FB
Information Courtesy of D’Lo Water Park JULY/AUGUST 2014
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Mert’s Satsu d n i h e B s m e as c a F BY ERIN MCDILL WILLIAMS
When you support Mississippi agriculture, it’s not only about the commodities or other goods you’ll get at the local farmers market or grocery store, it’s also about the men and women who grow them. It’s about the story behind the business, the faces that started it and those who will take it over one day. In honor of that tradition, we sat down with Glenn and Valeri Merritt of Mert’s Satsumas of Gulfport to spotlight the faces and stories behind their product.
Q: When did you first open Mert’s Satsumas? Has farming always been in your blood? G: I have always loved to garden. It is definitely in my blood; however, fruit trees have turned into my passion. V: Glenn has grown things ever since I’ve known him. He reads everything he can to learn more about growing citrus. We’ve been growing fruit for 14 years, but Mert’s Satsumas is only seven years old. Q: Can you give me a little history behind Mert’s Satsumas? G: I started as a hobbyist attempting to grow a few blueberry trees. I soon learned they didn’t like wet soil, and the more I learned, the more trees I purchased. V: Glenn started planting trees as a hobby 25 years ago. He started with six trees, and those six turned into 600 now, 14 years later.
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Q. Is this a family operation? G & V: YES! While we do the majority of the farming detail, it wouldn’t be possible without our family, Kimberly, Kristy, Sheena and Aimee. Q: About how much farm acreage does Mert’s Satsumas occupy? Do you grow anything else other than those delicious Satsumas? G & V: We have 4.5 acres, and we had approximately 600 varieties of citrus trees until this past winter’s freeze cost us about 200 trees. Currently, we only have about 400-450 lemon, orange, grapefruit and Satsuma trees. Q: What aspects of farming have you found to be most challenging? G & V: It’s really hard finding good, reliable farmhands to help throughout the season. It’s hard work, and most aren’t up for it. Also, it can be challenging finding pertinent and up-to-date information about Satsuma trees. Q: If you could tell others only one thing about farming, what would it be? G & V: Producing a marketable product, one that you’re proud to put your name on, takes a lot of time, effort and hard work. Q: Have there been any memories of Mert’s Satsumas that stand out in your mind? G: Recovering from Hurricane Katrina was something I’ll never forget. Although we live on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, we’ve never seen anything like it. We had damage done to many of our trees, but they still had fruit on them the following year.
V: This past season’s freeze will be a hard one to forget. With temperatures as low as 19 degrees, we lost a lot of leaves, and we are aware that some of our Satsuma, lemon and grapefruit trees may not produce any fruit this upcoming season. It was the worst freeze we have had in years; however, we’re hopeful. We’re always hopeful. I once heard it said that farmers are the only people who buy at a retail price yet sell their products at a wholesale price. Braving the weather, the unknown, constant changes in market value and extremely long hours is no easy task. However, we can show them our appreciation for the sacrifices they make by buying their products and listening to their stories — stories they, more than anyone, are worthy to tell and stories we, more than anyone, can benefit from hearing. FB The Merritts are Harrison County Farm Bureau members.
Mert’s Satsumas MISSION
TO PROVIDE SAFE, TASTEFUL, EASY-TO-PEEL FRUIT. DESCRIPTION
MERT’S SATSUMAS FARM HAS MORE THAN 400 TREES OF HOMEGROWN SATSUMAS AND OTHER POPULAR CITRUS FRUITS. THE SATSUMA SEASON IS TYPICALLY MID-SEPTEMBER THROUGH JANUARY 1. A SATSUMA IS MOST CLOSELY RELATED TO THE TANGERINE FAMILY. IT IS SUPER SWEET, EASY TO PEEL, SEEDLESS AND NUTRITIOUS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THE MERT’S SATSUMAS FACEBOOK PAGE.
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M I S S I S S I P P I
C R A F T S M A N
““I THINK I GOT MY ABILITY TO DESIGN AND BUILD THESE TYPES OF THINGS FROM MY FATHER, MILTON, A RANKIN COUNTY FARMER. BUT MY MOTHER, TINA, WAS ALSO AN ARTIST. SHE WAS AN ACCOMPLISHED SEAMSTRESS, COOK AND MUSICIAN.” JAN LOFLIN, CRAFTSMAN
� An HIS WORK
Jan worked for many years with the late Dr. Arthur Guyton. He shows you some of Dr. Guyton’s diagrams (schematics as Jan calls them), and they look complicated. You wonder if Jan was ever intimidated by them. “Oh no,” he laughed. “My background is in electronics, and I knew that it was just a matter of hooking up the correct parts to make the devices work properly. I also learned as I went along, so it wasn’t intimidating at all. But I would say that Dr. Guyton was a genius.” Dr. Guyton, who before his retirement served as chair of the UMMC Physiology and Biophysics Department, was on the forefront of mapping the human cardiovascular system. Jan helped him put together machines that reflected his findings. He also traveled with Dr. Guyton to operate the
ds � an
J
an Loflin is a humble man who is modest about his handcrafting skills. He will talk about the woodworking shop out behind his Hinds County home, where he has built many beautiful and useful items for his family, and he will touch on his career as a lab tech with the Physiology and Biophysics Department at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson, where he helped build important devices for renowned researchers. But don’t expect him to be impressed by his efforts. He just waves it all aside and smiles.
s Eyes & ’ t s i t H r A
equipment before gatherings of physicians and researchers in cities across the nation. Jan stands in awe of Dr. Guyton, who published some 600 papers and 40 books during his storied career. He figures the doctor’s biggest legacy, besides his ten children who are all doctors, is his “Textbook of Medical Physiology,” which Dr. John Hall, the department’s current chair, continues to update. The book is now called the “Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology.” Dr. Hall, an Arthur C. Guyton Professor, also directs the Mississippi Center for Obesity Research. “Through the years, I was blessed to work with many brilliant people,” Jan said. “Some of the researchers were from countries around the world, like South Africa and Australia. If I could help them in some small way then I felt honored to do so.” Jan also helped design and build workstation cubicles for graduate students, which included doors with locks and Formicacovered lab tables with cabinetry underneath. The department’s machine shop displays the original metal lathe brought to the medical center in 1955, many years before Jan came to work there. It also boasts a drill press, sheet metal break and a more modern metal lathe. One wall is covered in metal drawers filled with bolts, screws, handles, bulbs, clips, string, glue, grease, etc. FAMILY LEGACY
In his woodworking shop at home, Jan has spent many hours producing hand-
crafted items for his family. He fashioned a porch swing for his daughter, Pam, and toys (including a rocking horse and a rocking pig) for his grandkids, who are now grown. He built a greenhouse for his wife, Cora, and a woodworking shop for himself. “I think I got my ability to design and build these types of things from my father, Milton, a Rankin County farmer. But my mother, Tina, was also an artist. She was an accomplished seamstress, cook and musician.” Jan says his brother, the Rev. Jack Loflin, is a skilled woodworker, who has a shop near his home in Rankin County. His two sisters, Patsy Phillips and Jenny Walker, also live in Rankin County. Jan calls his work at UMMC satisfying but says his family is his greatest legacy. He loves his wife, daughter and son-inlaw, as well as his siblings and his numerous nieces and nephews. But he is especially proud of his grandkids. His granddaughter, Kim, works for a large telecommunications corporation on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and his grandson, Will, is majoring in aeronautical engineering at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. His daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Bill Baker, live in North Carolina. Pam works in a library and Bill, who is retired from the U.S. Marine Corps, teaches Junior ROTC in two high schools. “I have had a great life,” he said on a rainy afternoon in early April. “I have been blessed.” FB
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French Olive Bread
Recipese
1 lg. loaf French bread 1 sm. can diced black olives 1 8-oz. pkg. mozzarella cheese, grated 6 green onions, chopped 1 stick margarine, melted ½ c. mayonnaise ½ tsp. garlic salt Cut French bread loaf in half, cutting the top part off to make two halves. Mix all of the other ingredients together to make a spread for the bread. Spread mixture on the two halves and place in a large baking dish, spread side up. Bake 20-30 minutes at 350 degrees until golden brown. Anita Webb Scott County
Grandma’s Sweet Chocolate Bread
Peach Cream Pie
3 eggs, beaten 1 c. sugar 1½ c. flour 2 tsp. baking powder ½ c. nuts 1 bar sweet chocolate, broken 1 sm. jar cherries ½ c. dates
¾ c. sugar ¼ tsp. salt 1 lg. egg, beaten 2 c. fresh peaches, sliced 2 T. flour 1 c. sour cream ½ tsp. vanilla
Mix sugar and eggs. Add flour, baking powder, broken chocolate, floured dates and nuts; mix well. Add cherries with juice to mix. Pour into a greased bread pan. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 45 minutes or until done. Sarah Boyd Lauderdale County
Topping: ⅓ c. brown sugar ¼ c. soft butter ⅓ c. flour ½ tsp. cinnamon Combine sugar, flour and salt. Add sour cream, egg and vanilla. Beat well. Add fruit. Pour into a 9-inch pie crust. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake 30 minutes longer. Remove from oven and top with topping mixture. Bake at 400 degrees until bubbly and slightly brown. Pauline McMahan Forrest County
COUNTRY COOKING VOLUME IV These recipes are from “Country Cooking Volume IV,” available at most county Farm Bureau offices. The cost is $15. If you order from the state office, you will pay $15 plus postage. • For more information, contact Women’s Program Coordinator Clara Bilbo at (601) 977-4245.
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Farm Bureau Events
Farm Woman of the Year Rita Seward of Jackson County talks about her family’s farming operation and her involvement in her county Farm Bureau at the 2014 Women’s Leadership Conference in Jackson.
2013 Teacher of the Year Melissa Johnson demonstrates an Ag in the Classroom project at the 2014 Women’s Leadership Conference.
County Farm Bureau secretaries from across the state gathered in Jackson for the 2014 Secretaries’ Conference, which was held at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum in Jackson. Participants enjoyed great speakers and projects.
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MFBF Photograph Collection The Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Photograph Collection documents Mississippi farming and farmers for almost a century. Donated to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History in 2010, this collection complements the depression-era photographs taken by the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s, another comprehensive visual collection of Mississippi’s agrarian culture and rural society held at MDAH. In addition to the documentation of farms, farming and crops, the collection holds other important visual documentation. National, state and local politicians, natural disasters and social and cultural events are all represented in the collection. Plans are for selected images from this collection to be used in the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, both scheduled to open in 2017 — the year of the Mississippi Bicentennial. FB The images are available on the department’s website at: http://mdah.state.ms.us/arrec/digital_archives/series/mfb.
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Kane Ditto, president of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) Board of Trustees, presents Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) President Randy Knight and MFBF Member Services Director Greg Gibson with a resolution thanking Farm Bureau for presenting the collection of materials.
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Convention Speaker, Musicians The keynote speaker for the 93rd Annual Meeting of the
Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation will be Dr. Temple Grandin, who is pictured here. Musicians Susie and Mark McEntire will conduct the worship service. Despite being diagnosed with autism as a child, Dr. Grandin has enjoyed a successful career as a livestock-handling equipment designer, one of the very few in the world. She presently works as a professor of animal science at Colorado State University and speaks around the world on both autism and cattle handling. Susie, Reba’s little sister, has directed her talents to the country gospel side of American roots music. She has garnered much acclaim, winning many awards and nominations. Mark often joins his wife onstage to sing and play a little blues guitar. More information will run as convention draws closer. FB
County Annual Meetings Calhoun County Farm Bureau Tuesday, August 12, at 7 p.m. Multipurpose Building Pittsboro
Leake County Farm Bureau Thursday, September 4, at 6:30 p.m. Farm Bureau Office Carthage
Union County Farm Bureau Thursday, September 4, at 7 p.m. County Fairgrounds – Ladies Building New Albany
Desoto County Farm Bureau Tuesday, August 19, at 7:30 a.m. Farm Bureau Office Hernando
Lee County Farm Bureau Saturday, August 23, 6 p.m. Tombigbee Electric Power Association Bldg. Tupelo
Webster County Farm Bureau Tuesday, August 12, at 6:30 p.m. Kamp Kumbaya Eupora
Itawamba County Farm Bureau Tuesday, August 19, at 6:30 p.m. County Development Council Building Fulton
Perry County Farm Bureau Thursday, August 7, at 6:30 p.m. Perry Central High School Cafeteria New Augusta
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New Neonicotinoid Pollinator Protection Labels
We have had several calls in recent days as news gets out about the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recent label changes for neonicotinoid insecticides. The intent is to offer greater protection for pollinators in and around crops where this class of insecticides may be applied. Basically, the new language forbids the use of these products while bees are foraging and until flowering is complete and all petals have fallen off the plants. There are a few exceptions if certain criteria are met as follows: • The application is made to the target site after sunset. • The application is made to the target site when temperatures are below 55˚F. • The application is made in accordance with a government-initiated public health response. • The application is made in accordance with an active state-administered apiary
registry program where beekeepers are notified no less than 48 hours prior to the time of the planned application so that the bees can be removed, covered or otherwise protected prior to spraying. • The application is made due to an imminent threat of significant crop loss, and a documented determination consistent with an IPM plan or predetermined economic threshold is met. Every effort should be made to notify beekeepers no less than 48 hours prior to the time of the planned application so that the bees can be removed, covered or otherwise protected prior to spraying.
Since nearly all of our acres in Mississippi are scouted by professional crop consultants and we treat on Extensionpublished economic thresholds in row crops, this should be a manageable situation but may require better recordkeeping
than in the past for some. For instance, it would be a good idea to actually report hard count numbers on spray reports rather than “over threshold” or “under threshold.” Even when crops are not flowering, you cannot make an application when bees are “foraging or visiting” the crop or flowers around the field. Bees are most active in the middle of the day (10 a.m.-2 p.m.). We surveyed numerous cotton, corn and soybean fields across the Mid-South last year, documenting bee numbers in these crops. Our data in the Mid-South would suggest the best time to make applications that would avoid acute bee kills is in the evening. We saw a significant reduction in bees in all crops within three hours of sunset. A late-evening application would be the preferred time to avoid bee kills and would also provide a longer buffer period for any residual effects to diminish before active foraging the following day. FB
Article by Angus Catchot, Extension entomologist, Jeff Gore, research and Extension entomologist, and Don Cook, research entomologist, Mississippi State University.
Calendar of Events JUNE 27
Swine Commodity Meeting, Starkville — Location TBD
JULY 8
Equine Commodity Meeting — Location and Time TBD
JULY 9
Cotton Commodity Meeting Grenada County Extension Office — Grenada
JULY 10
Horticulture/Apiculture Commodity Meeting MFBF Building — Jackson
JULY 11
Sweet Potato Commodity Meeting, Calhoun County Extension Office/Multipurpose Building — Pittsboro
JULY 16
Soybeans and Corn Commodity Meeting Monsanto Learning Facility — Scott
JULY 17
Peanuts Commodity Meeting Monroe County Extension Office — Aberdeen
JULY 18
Rice Commodity Meeting Bolivar County Extension Auditorium — Cleveland
May/June
S2olve the Mystery
The answer to the May/June Solve the Mystery contest is MERIT WATER PARK.
JULY 28-31 Youth Safety Camp, Gray Center — Canton AUGUST 1
Farm Bureau Ambassador & Farm Woman of Year Deadline
OCT. 2-3
Women’s Ag Tour — Delta
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Congratulations MSU Extension Service On May 8, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation issued the following press release: Every Mississippian comes in contact with agriculture several times a day and most don’t even realize it. From the food we eat, to the clothes we wear, to the homes we live in, agriculture is a huge part of our lives. The Mississippi State University Extension Service is one of the cornerstones that has kept agriculture on the cutting edge of production and made the lives of all Mississippians better. “I’m not sure where we would be in Mississippi without the Extension Service,” said Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation President Randy Knight. “They provide current research and information to farmers and
consumers in all 82 counties. Without the technology advancements developed through Extension, our farmers would still be light years behind where they are now. We at Farm Bureau have a close relationship with Extension and congratulate them on their 100th birthday.” On May 8, 1914, the SmithLever Act created the Cooperative Extension Service, a nationwide education and research system operating through land-grant universities. Their base programs — agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer education, enterprise and community resource development and 4-H youth development — are the foundation for
equipping agriculture and all Mississippians to thrive in the 21st century. The original Farm Bureau sprang out of the Extension education movements across the country. Local Farm Bureaus served as the organizational network needed to further the Extension education efforts of the county agent. “The 4-H program provides young people the opportunity to learn things with ‘hands-on’ experience,” said Knight. “And their research-based education for farmers helped establish and maintain the United States as a leading agriculture-producing nation in the world. Farm Bureau is proud to call Extension our friend.” FB
become certified. Certification is needed if you reach the following amounts of production: more than six dozen eggs sold a week, if you are leaving your property to sell eggs, processing more than 1,000 carcasses a year or selling carcasses somewhere other than your property. Becoming certified in order to sell to the public is important and helps to ensure your customers they are receiving the best products you can produce.
It is very important to realize that fecal material can carry disease as well. Therefore, try not to wear the same shoes and clothing that you wear to visit your chicken coop outside of your property. You can also have sanitation stations like foot baths at each entrance of your chicken coop to prevent fecal material that may harbor disease from being transported to other locations. These footbaths can also be used to prevent disease from being carried into your coop from outside sources. If birds begin to show signs of illness, be proactive with treatment. If you are not sure what could be wrong with your bird, contact the Board of Animal Health poultry epidemiologist or a specialist through the Mississippi State Department of Poultry Science who can assist you in diagnosing the problem, fixing it and preventing it from happening again. If you have questions, please contact the Department of Poultry Science, Mississippi State University (662-325-3416; www.poultry. msstate.edu), or the Board of Animal Health poultry specialist (Betty Roberts; 601-8323351 Bettyr@mdac.ms.gov). FB
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for egg production, this can be done by rendering the males and keeping the females. Males, or roosters, are not necessary for egg production. If you would like to eventually have fertile eggs to hatch and replenish your flock, only one rooster for every 10 hens is needed. It is important to pick up eggs daily so hens do not begin to sit on their eggs and attempt to incubate them. If you allow a hen to begin the brooding phase, she will cease lay and no longer produce eggs until her body decides the brooding phase has ended. This can be important to remember if you would like to replenish your flock as well. Eggs can be collected and placed under one hen for her to begin brooding. This will allow other hens to continue egg production and provide you with edible eggs as well as hatching eggs. Since chickens begin to decrease production the older they become, it is important to think about when you would like to replenish your flock in order to achieve maximum production. Remember, they will slightly decrease their production each year. If you plan on selling eggs that are collected for profit, your maximum production will be important. Furthermore, you will need to know the guidelines for selling eggs publicly and make sure you are meeting the requirements. Check with the State Board of Animal Health to get a list of guidelines and find out how to 32
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BIOSECURITY
Lastly but certainly not least, keeping a healthy flock should be a top priority. Good biosecurity practices can keep your flock, as well as other peoples’ flocks, healthy. It is important to remember that disease can be carried many different ways. First, start off with a healthy source of chickens. If you are purchasing chicks or eggs, it is important to obtain them from a certified representative. If you are not aware of these sources, contact the Board of Animal Health and a list can be provided to you. Chicks can often be purchased already vaccinated for some diseases. If you already have a flock at home and add new birds to the property, be sure to quarantine them for a prolonged time period before introducing them to your flock. Chickens do not always initially show signs of illness. Always try to prevent wild birds from coming in contact with your flock.
A special thanks to Jessica Wells, Mississippi State University Poultry Science Department, for providing this material. Note: Before you get started with backyard poultry, see if your town or city has an ordinance against raising chickens behind your home. Most places don’t care about hens, but they might have an ordinance against roosters. JULY/AUGUST 2014
Ag in the Classroom T-Shirts & Fans If you have not purchased your Ag in the Classroom T-shirt, contact the
state Women’s Program or your county Farm Bureau office. The shirts are available in maroon or red, sizes Youth — small through large, and Adult — small through 3XL. The cost is $15.
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A limited number of long-sleeve t-shirts are available at $20 each. The State Women’s Committee would like to thank Region 4 Women’s Chair Jody Bailey for the design. We also have fans for sale, using the same design as the t-shirt, at 50 cents each. If you buy in bulk, you get a cut. For example, you can purchase 25 fans for $10. For more information, contact Pam Jones at (601) 977-4854 or email her at pjones@msfb.org.
JULY/AUGUST 2014
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