VOLUME 90 NO. 5
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
MISSISSIPPI FRUITS VEGETABLES
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A PUBLICATION OF MISSISSIPPI FARM BUREAU FEDERATION • MSFB.ORG
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MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
TABLE
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CONTENTS
september/october 2014 Volume 90 Number 5 September/October 2014
FEATURES
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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
Fruits and Vegetables
Mississippi is home to a number of fruit and vegetable operations that are an important part of our agricultural industry. Come with us as we learn more.
EDITORIAL AND BUSINESS OFFICES 6311 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS 39211 601-977-4153
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EDITOR — Glynda Phillips 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
Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs combines a smalltown charm with the laid-back vibe of an arts community and the hustle and bustle of a big city. Read about Ocean Springs inside.
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 HONORARY VICE PRESIDENT Louis J. Breaux III
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Farm Bureau Events
We look back, through photos and articles, at the summer YF&R fundraiser, Ag in the Classroom workshops and summer commodity meetings.
DEPARTMENTS 2
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.
Member Benefits 4 President’s Message 6 Commodity Update: Forestry 18 Strolling: Sam Scott 19 Land Program Review
About The Cover Leslie Sanford, pictured enjoying the blueberries at Great Southern Farms in Richton, is the 19-year-old granddaughter of Malcolm and Evia Edwards of Richton, who began the blueberry operation in the 1990s. They were soon joined by Leslie’s parents, Jeremy and Jennifer, and her uncle and aunt, Justin and Wendy. More grandchildren are pictured above. They are, from left, Tanner, 4, Andrew, 8, and Audri Anna, 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
Our Ever-Changing World In case you haven’t noticed, we live
in a rapidly changing world. Farmers have traditionally been slow to adopt new ways of doing things, but if we fail to do so in today’s world, we run the risk of being left behind. Farm Bureau is all about keeping our farmers informed about any challenges or opportunities that might affect their lives and livelihoods. In addition to the many meetings we hold each year, we make a point of touring the agricultural research facilities at Mississippi State University (MSU) to learn about potentially better ways of doing our jobs. In May, state board members, their spouses and Farm Bureau staff visited MSU and discovered that researchers are working with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in precision agriculture. Experts explained how this type of technology is being used in variable rate nitrogen application, in drift detection and to determine plant populations. We were astonished and amazed. In recent years, technological advances have helped farmers become so efficient and productive we now produce about 262 percent more food with 2 percent fewer inputs (labor, seeds, feed, fertilizer, etc.) compared to farmers in 1950. Back in the day, who would have guessed that farmers would one day use a smartphone to access and record data? Who could have imagined dairy farmers would use sensors to keep up with milk production per cow, and livestock farmers would use computer
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MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY
chips to track the growth and production of their animals? New seed varieties and precision farming technology have become so accessible that most farmers are able to benefit from all of this to one degree or another. I often wonder where we will be in another ten years or so.
Please continue to remember these farmers in your thoughts and prayers. FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
You will receive this issue of your membership magazine in September, but I am writing my column in early July, a time of year when fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables are abundant and readily available. Mississippi is home to a number of fruit and vegetable operations, and we are APRIL TORNADOES blessed to have many of these farmers in our On another subject Farm Bureau family. entirely, I want to talk Our state also boasts over 80 farmers to you about the spring markets. Almost half of these markets partornado damage in our ticipate in the Mississippi Certified Farmers state. Because of the way our magazine is Market program, a voluntary branding put together — two months or more before program, created and administered by the it is mailed to you — I haven’t had a chance Mississippi Department of Agriculture and to do that until now. Commerce, which stresses the importance In April, tornadoes touched down in of selling Mississippi-grown and Mississippiseveral counties and many made products. of our farmers and other I know you will enjoy IN YOUR HARVESTING members experienced loss EFFORTS THIS YEAR, PLEASE reading about this important of animals, structures and/or segment of our agricultural SLOW DOWN AND THINK homes. Poultry growers in industry inside the current ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON four Mississippi counties saw issue of your magazine. tremendous damage to their AROUND YOU. BE CAREFUL OUT THERE AND HAVE A farms and the loss of more HARVEST SEASON than a million birds. Winston, BLESSED AND BOUNTIFUL In closing, I want to talk to Wayne, Newton and Scott you about farm safety. Farming HARVEST SEASON. counties reported some 58 is one of the most dangerous houses with major damage and 17 houses occupations on earth, and this is never more with minor damage. evident than during harvest season, a very Unless you have experienced something stressful time indeed. Farmers are trying to like this or seen it for yourself, you can’t get their crops in on schedule, and a million begin to imagine how devastating it can different tasks are vying for their attention. be. I take comfort in the fact that our Farm In your harvesting efforts this year, please Bureau family always stands together in slow down and think about what is going on times of crisis. We offer up our prayers, and around you. Be careful out there and have a we give generously of our time and resources. blessed and bountiful harvest season. FB
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
MFBF Board Tours MSU Research Members of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors and their spouses toured Mississippi State University research facilities in May. The group visited the North Farm and Research Park and learned about the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in precision agriculture. Dr. Robert Moorhead, director of the Geosystems Research Institute, led the discussion. Dr. Jac Varaco talked about how this technology is used in variable rate nitrogen application, and Dr. Brian Henry discussed the use of UAVs in determining plant population. Dr. Dan Reynolds talked about how this technology is used in drift detection. The group also visited the South Farm and heard the latest research in controlling the wild hog population. Dr. Bronson Strickland talked about the feral hog situation in Mississippi and surrounding states. FB
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COMMODITY UPDATE: Forestry
Fire is Essential to Healthy Mississippi Forests
Ken Martin
MFBF Forestry Commodity Advisory Committee Chair
As I travel through my region in South Mississippi and across the state, I always enjoy the windshield view of Mississippi’s numbertwo commodity. Our pine and hardwood forests are an essential part of Mississippi’s economy through the actual harvest as well as the wildlife potential they provide. Every year, millions of dollars are spent within the state on hunting by residents and nonresidents. However, the single most useful healthy forestry management tool is still underutilized across the state. Fire is the best tool that a forest landowner has at their disposal for managing a healthy and sustainable timber stand. Fire has been used throughout history for the management of forestlands. Prescribed fire removes the hazardous debris from the timber stand that could create dangerous wildfire conditions. The annual use of prescribed fire removes this dangerous debris, opens up the woods and promotes a healthier ecosystem for the local wildlife. From a wildlife perspective, this promotes a more favorable environment for bobwhite quail and wild turkey to hatch and raise new flocks. The use of prescribed fire adds potash back into the soil from the debris burned and promotes a healthier stand of timber. A healthier stand of timber is more resistant to insects and disease and pays the landowner a better return at harvest. As a landowner myself, I can personally attest to the benefits of prescribed fire. The biggest obstacle with prescribed fire management is the fear of burning. This is a common and natural fear. Fire in the wrong hands or misused can do more harm than good. Trust me. If you burn enough, you will have a day where fire will humble you. 6
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Mississippi currently operates under a simple negligence statute, whereas more firefriendly states operate under a gross negligence statute. Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation policy supports a gross negligence statute. The simple negligence statute often deters individuals from using prescribed fire. But with proper training and the use of professionals, Mississippi landowners can put fire to use on their property, too. The problem with using professionals is that the number of professional foresters who do prescribed burning is such a small group and the number of good burning days is so small that it’s hard to retain these individuals’ services. If you are a landowner who is currently burning or interested in starting to burn your timber stands, you should consider attending a Mississippi State University prescribed fire short course. A landowner attending this workshop would leave with the tools and know how to burn their own property and not be reliant upon the professionals and the limited number of burning days in a year. If you know a professional forester who burns in your area, I would recommend that you reach out to them now or as early as possible to retain their services. If you wait until late in December and January, most if not all foresters will already be booked and just not have the time to take on any more acreage. This winter, I hope to see plenty of smoke billowing up from the countryside as landowners take to the woods to manage their forests with the most useful tool at their disposal. The payoff to the long days burning is worth the investment. Either it’s the sound of a covey rise exploding through the sage brush and pines or it’s a strutting gobbler as
Kevin Brown
MFBF Commodity Coordinator for Forestry
he approaches through the fresh green grasses and legumes that grow after the burn or it’s the scale tickets after harvest. Whatever the reasons that get you to burn as a landowner, be safe and enjoy the payoff. FB WOMEN’S AG TOUR
The biannual Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Women’s Ag Tour will be held Oct. 2-3 in the Mississippi Delta. Participants will visit the Cotesworth Culture and Heritage Center in Carroll County; Staplcotn and the Museum of the Mississippi Delta (formerly Cottonlandia Museum) in Greenwood; Indianola Pecan House and the B.B. King Museum in Indianola; the Catfish Museum and Welcome Center, Ethel Wright Mohamed Stitchery Museum, Wister Gardens and Sky Lake Boardwalk in Belzoni; and Mont Helena in Rolling Fork. If you’d like to participate, contact your county Farm Bureau or the MFBF Women’s Program at (601) 977-4245. 2015 WINTER COMMODITY CONFERENCE
Informa Economics Senior Vice President Jim Wiesemeyer and Wells Fargo Bank Ag Economist and Senior Vice President Dr. Michael Swanson will headline the 2015 MFBF Winter Commodity Conference set for Jan. 26 and 27 in Jackson. Wiesemeyer will report on the current political climate in Washington and how this relates to agricultural policy. Swanson will provide an overall review of the economy and current trends in major commodity markets. More detailed information about the conference will be released as it gets closer. You may also call Nancy Britt at (601) 977-4230. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
Donate to PIC
BY SAMANTHA NE WMAN — MFB F D I REC TO R O F PUB LI C P O LI CY
When you donate to the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Balloted Measure Political Issue Committee (PIC), you assure that Farm Bureau’s voice will be heard on matters of concern to its members. PIC funds are used to promote the passage or defeat of the following: • Issues voted on by the state’s registered voters • Measures voted on by members of the Mississippi Legislature • National ballot issues and national issues in Washington, D.C.
for political office. They are used only for issues and never for elections. Funds for the Political Issue Committee are collected through a voluntary contribution on annual county Farm Bureau dues statements or through a direct contribution on the MFBF website at www.msfb.org. Please consider donating to PIC, even if it’s just a dollar. Working together through PIC we can truly make a difference. For more information about PIC, contact the Public Policy Department at (601) 977-4020. FB
In recent years, PIC funds made it possible for Farm Bureau to conduct a very successful eminent domain reform campaign. PIC funds have also helped us make a difference in these areas: • Farm Bill • Country of Origin Labeling • Disaster Relief • Tort Reform • Right to Farm • Estate Taxes • Health Care PIC funds cannot be contributed to candidates
Calendar of Events SEPT. 19
Rice Tasting Luncheon, Walter Sillers Coliseum, Delta State University — Cleveland
OCT. 1-12 Mississippi State Fair, Mississippi Fairgrounds — Jackson OCT. 2-3
Women’s Ag Tour — Delta
NOV. 13 State Resolutions Meeting, MFBF Building — Jackson NOV. 21-27 National Farm-City Week DEC. 6-8 MFBF Annual Meeting, Hilton Jackson Hotel — Jackson JAN. 11-14 AFBF Annual Meeting — San Diego, CA JAN. 26-27 Winter Commodity Conference — Jackson
JULY/AUGUST 2014
MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY
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Edwards family members are, from left, Tanner, Andrew, Jennifer, Jeremy, Leslie, Evia, Malcolm, Justin, Wendy and Audri Anna.
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BLUEBERRIES B Y G LY N D A P H I L L I P S
Jeremy Edwards and his family
operate Great Southern Farms, which includes a 130-acre blueberry farm and a state-of-the art blueberry packing house near Richton. The Edwardses packed almost one million pounds of their own berries this year plus about 500,000 to 750,000 pounds of blueberries grown by other farmers. They market their berries wholesale nationwide and in Canada. A limited quantity of berries in season can be purchased at the office. SOME HISTORY
“My father, Malcolm, and my stepmother, Evia, planted our farm’s first blueberry bushes in 1990, and I joined them in 2004,” Jeremy said. “They were growing row crops and had had some bad years in the 1980s, so they started looking around for something to diversify the operation. “The blueberries did well so we planted more bushes, expanded and, in 2008, built our own packing house. In the meantime, in 1997, we began doing construction work for highways. We continue that business today.” Jeremy’s brother, Justin, works at Great Southern Farms as do their wives, Jennifer and Wendy. Jennifer works in the office, and Wendy works in the packing house. WHAT IT TAKES
Jeremy says you need a good work ethic to grow blueberries. “It’s a job, and it isn’t easy. To be successful growing blueberries, you must know a little bit about a lot of different things, from chemicals to soil types to nutrients and how all of this works together. It is a fine balance. I have an agronomist I spend hours on the phone with just talking about the soil. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
“To successfully market your berries, you need a good business sense. You also need to know how to work with people. During picking season, we have 50 people working in the fields and 45 people working in the packing house. “Labor is one of the most important issues for blueberry growers,” Jeremy said. “Finding and keeping good labor is a challenge. We must follow many rules and guidelines when hiring labor for our fields. The process can be complex, expensive and time-consuming, but in order to provide you with the berries you love, we go through this every year.” In their packing house, Jeremy says he and his family also follow stringent guidelines for grading and packing their berries, ensuring that the berries you purchase for your family are the very best quality possible.
making us the earliest growers in the state.” Jeremy says blueberries have some insect and disease problems but not many. “Blueberries are a relatively easy plant to grow, but growing them can be expensive since it takes about six years for them to fully mature. It takes a serious investment of time and money to successfully grow blueberries.” LEGISLATIVE TOUR
On a recent day in early June, Great Southern Farms hosted a Farm Bureausponsored legislative tour of their operation designed to show area lawmakers, local growers, local media and Farm Bureau volunteer leaders and staff the process of growing and packing blueberries. The group came away with a better understanding of this most important segment of Mississippi’s “IT’S A JOB, AND IT ISN’T EASY. TO BE diverse fruit and vegetable SUCCESSFUL GROWING BLUEBERRIES, industry. GROWING BLUEBERRIES YOU MUST KNOW A LITTLE BIT ABOUT Jeremy said he and his Each year, the Edwardses A LOT OF DIFFERENT THINGS, FROM family were glad to open bed up their plants with CHEMICALS TO SOIL TYPES TO NUTRItheir operation for the visipine sawdust and pine bark ENTS AND HOW ALL OF THIS WORKS tors. The Edwardses enjoy mixed into the soil. They TOGETHER. IT IS A FINE BALANCE.” growing blueberries and mulch on top with organic JEREMY EDWARDS want others to understand matter. This type of process and appreciate this type of farming, too. slows weeds down and helps the soil hold “I love farming, period,” Jeremy said. moisture, which makes the bushes grow faster. “In addition to the blueberries, I have a “We plant many varieties of Southern large vegetable garden each year that could Highbush and Rabbiteye blueberries. The supply the whole community. I like to see Southern Highbush berries fruit first in things grow. late April followed in the summer by the “You look at your crops, and you think, Rabbiteye berries,” Jeremy said. “We pick ‘I did that.’” FB our berries from the last week of April to mid-July. We were packing berries in April, MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY
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“I’VE BEEN AROUND FARMING ALL MY LIFE. I REMEMBER SITTING ON MY DAD’S LAP WHILE HE PLOWED CORN AND DREAMING OF THE DAY I COULD MAKE A LIVING THROUGH FARMING.” TIM COOPER, FARMER
“If you didn’t know him,
you’d definitely be intimidated by him.” Somehow, that sentence seemed to be the first thing that came out of my mouth when my coworker asked how my trip to Cooper Farms & Vineyard in Morton went. When I thought about it a little more, I realized I needed to perfect this intro. After all, I’d soon be introducing the owner, Tim Cooper, to most of our employees as the featured farmer during this year’s growing season. But at a minimum of 6 feet, 3 inches in height, with a stocky build and scruffy mustache, Tim is anything but hard to miss. Having never had height or much intimidation on my side, I soon became convinced that if anyone could look the part of a farmer, before even being interviewed, he would be the one. I had talked with Tim, now known to some as “Coop,” a few times at local farmers markets across the state before visiting his 115-acre farm. You know that feeling when a location actually smells like the place it is? When an old antiques store actually begins to smell like one? Cooper Farms & Vineyard is one of those places. Mixtures of fresh grass, sweltering heat and whiffs of growing herbs nearby, like basil or peppermint, make this place truly smell like a farm. Although Cooper Farms & Vineyard was established in 1981, Tim can’t remember a time when he wasn’t around farming. He recalled one of his favorite memories growing up when he said, “I’ve been around farming all my life. I remember sitting on my dad’s lap while he plowed corn and dreaming of the day I could make a living through farming.” After retiring from the Mississippi
COOPER FARMS & VINEYARD
JULY/AUGUST 2014
BY ERIN MCDILL WILLIAMS
Department of Transportation, Tim decided to give full-time farming a gander and, although it hasn’t been without challenges, he hasn’t looked back since. When asked what all he grows on the farm, Tim just smiled. As he began to rattle off everything from onions to blueberries, peppers, kale, squash and everything in between, I realized I could’ve avoided the ensuing hand cramp by instead inquiring what he didn’t grow. Of course, the short answer to the latter question would’ve been almost nothing. Tim may not be a jack-of-all-trades, but he sure is a jack-of-all-produce. As we discussed the challenges farmers face, Tim stated, “Right now, the buzzword is organic, but it’s quite difficult to grow organically while still making a profit due to Mississippi’s unique climate.” One specific hardship mentioned was the lack of predictability in weather. “This past winter was a rough one,” Tim said. “Our yields this year will be affected because of it.” Elaborating on how farming is a constant learning experience, Tim stated, “Each day is different. Because of that, you have to wake up and try to learn how to make your
business more successful every day.” Speaking from experience, he mentioned how he likes to read marketing books to help him learn ways to market himself and his business to various demographics. When you walk inside the Mississippi Farmers Market on High Street in Jackson, you see examples of his self-initiated marketing education by the way he specifically color codes his produce tables to match, promoting brand consistency. His newest tactic comes in the form of neon as each Cooper Farms & Vineyard employee wears a bright neon shirt to help with easy crowd detection (as if one needed a neon shirt to spot Tim towering over the crowd). Results from his marketing efforts are visible as Tim currently sells his produce to seven local restaurants in the Jackson area in addition to public farmers markets throughout the week. The more I’ve gotten to know Tim, the more I’m convinced my first thought of him was true. While Tim has the uncanny ability to command attention in a room, when he laughs, it’s passionate and authentic. Now he just strikes me as a gentle giant — except with more dirt. With a laugh that’s synonymous with the way he runs his business, both passionately and authentically, Cooper Farms & Vineyard is on track for continued success in the years to come. If you’re curious about that farm smell and want a whiff of it yourself, head on down to Morton and enjoy the farm’s “U-pick” selection. Or hang a left (or right, depending on the direction you are headed) at the Mississippi Farmers Market and pay him a visit. However, don’t leave without an armful of his famous muscadine syrup or a hug from his oldest and most loyal employee, Mr. Willie. FB
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er Listens to His m r a F e l Plant ab t e g s Ve B Y G LY N D A P H I L L I P S
Robert Robinson has worked with plants his whole life. He grew up on his father’s farm and as an adult worked in greenhouses for a local wholesale nursery. Each evening, he would return home to labor on his own farm. Robert, 74, watched his father and talked with other farmers, but he mostly learned through experience and through developing a keen eye for plants. He says he “listens” to his plants, observing them and determining what they need in order to grow healthy and strong. He strives to grow the very best vegetables possible, and as a result, his produce is very much in demand. “I don’t sell anything but the best,” he said. “I personally inspect it all. If it doesn’t pass my inspection, we don’t pick it.” Robert grows peas, beans, okra, cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplant, bell pepper, cayenne pepper, cabbage and a few collards in the early spring. In the winter, he grows mustard greens, collard greens, turnip greens and cabbage. “I was raising hogs back in the early years, before I gradually moved into the vegetable business,” he said, stopping on a hot, humid morning in mid-June to visit for a while. “I started growing for a local farmers market then decided to build my own shed and sell from my farm. We ran ads and received a good response. “At the time, we were growing 15 acres of peanuts, sweet potatoes, peas and okra. When my kids finished school, I started cutting back. Now, I’m down to four acres of vegetables. The rest of the fields have been turned into pasture.” In addition to produce, Robert raises 43 head of crossbred Angus cattle. SELLING PRODUCE
During the summer and fall seasons, the early morning hours on the farm are devoted to picking and cleaning vegetables. Robert will not pick in the evening because a long hot day will give his vegetables too much heat, which isn’t good for their nutritional value or shelf life. He keeps the vegetables cool in an air-conditioned room, where they remain until they are purchased. Robert uses local high school kids and one full-time adult employee to help him pick. He SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
says the part-time work gives the youths a little pocket money and keeps them out of trouble. In the past, he helped establish a scholarship for kids who worked on his farm. He says many of them have gone on to excel in life. By 10 a.m., customers are steadily arriving. Robert and his wife, Anna, help them with their purchases. They have some customers who have been with them for many years and others who are brand
new. Customers are from Lincoln County as well as Lawrence, Copiah, Pike, Adams, Claiborne and Franklin counties. By evening, the work on the farm is finished for the day. EXPERIENCE IS TEACHER
“Through the years, Anna and I have done very well with our vegetables, despite the weather,” Robert said. “We grow our plants from seed in our own greenhouse, and I have my own special way of growing them. We don’t use heaters very often; we mainly rely on the sun. We bundle the house up tight in plastic during cold weather. I know that if I mistreat my plants this will show up later. I keep them healthy and their immune systems strong. Disease only attaches itself to weak plants. “Once the plants are in the fields, I leave weeds so the insects will feed on them and not my plants. It works,” he said. “All of this cuts way down on the amount of chemicals I use. The only problem I have is with corn ear worms on the tomatoes, so I use just a little something for that. “We plant cover crops like ryegrass, wheat
and clover to build up our soil,” he said. “If you are good to the soil, it will be good to you. We also try to rotate where we plant the vegetables and not plant them in the same place every time. “Experience is my teacher. If you do these things and try different things, you will find what works best for you,” he said. “I have attended Extension meetings, and they have sent me materials. But most of what I read I already know. Every farm, every patch of soil is different, so it is hard for me to tell other growers what to do with their plants. They must figure that out for themselves.” While reading about another vegetable farm, Robert discovered a unique way to keep birds off his plants. He uses red and silver reflective streamers, which he attaches to poles beside the plants. The streamers blow in the wind, catching the light and making a rustling noise, which he says frightens the birds away. In addition to being useful, all of this makes for a pretty sight. FARMER OF YEAR
Robert enjoys the challenge of growing vegetables, and he loves watching them grow. “If I had to sum up my strategy, it would be that you must make a plan and stick to it. The good Lord and the weather might change your plan, but try and stick with it otherwise. You also must be available in case your plants need you.” Robert is contemplating retiring once he celebrates his 75th birthday, but he says he will always have his cows and he will try to keep a little patch of vegetables for his oldest and most loyal customers. “These men and women have been good to me,” he said. “I want to be there for them.” In 2002, Robert became the first AfricanAmerican farmer to receive the Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce Small Farmer of the Year Award. The same year, he also received the Alcorn Conservation Farmer of the Year Award. Robert and Anna are Lincoln County Farm Bureau members. Their eight children, six sons and two daughters, are grown. None of the children farm. FB MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY
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WHAT’S GROWING ON DOWNTOWN? It always seems that, especially in the South, some of life’s greatest moments are celebrated in the company of good friends and great food. Add in a little bit of family-friendly fun, Southern hospitality, local talent and farm-to-table flare and you’ve got a recipe for success. You’ve got the Mississippi Farmers Market. Located on High Street near the Mississippi Coliseum, the Mississippi Farmers Market, a certified farmers market, is sowing seeds in Mississippi’s future by investing in the talents and efforts of the local community. Community farmers markets, oftentimes scattered in towns statewide, have been a part of the Magnolia State’s agricultural history for quite some time now. However, with battling the weather and the intense summer heat that accompanies the growing season, comfortable farmers markets have been largely out of reach for both the community and the farmer. The Mississippi Farmers Market facility, an 18,000-square-foot building with 32 stalls, roll-up doors and refrigerators, was built especially with this reason in mind. Now a haven where farmers can come and sell their produce without having to worry about weather conditions, the Mississippi Farmers Market is also a place where locals can make purchases in a convenient, comfortable and accessible way. And it’s really fun. Frank Malta, manager of the Mississippi Farmers Market, said, “Our main goal with the market is to create an environment where Mississippi small farmers can thrive and sell their products.”
Currently, the market proudly boasts, on average, 65 vendors each week — a mixture of farmers, artists and area craftsmen. It wasn’t always this large. A few years ago, the Mississippi Farmers Market combined with the Greater Belhaven Market, and the strengths of each market have helped to create today’s thriving market downtown. In reference to this, Frank said, “The Belhaven market brought a new culture to the Mississippi market specifically in the arts and crafts scene. When we merged, both markets really complemented each other well.” Although focused with the farmer in mind, the Mississippi Farmers Market has evolved to become one of Jackson’s greatest
ALTHOUGH FOCUSED WITH THE FARMER IN MIND, THE MISSISSIPPI FARMERS MARKET HAS EVOLVED TO BECOME ONE OF JACKSON’S GREATEST ATTRACTIONS FOR ALL AGES.
attractions for all ages. From face painting for the kids to weekly live entertainment and emerging musicians to cooking demonstrations from area chefs as well as senior citizen activities and even a new onsite restaurant, The Farmer’s Table, there’s something for everyone to do, whether visiting with a few or with a crew. Having worked in the grocery business most of his career, Frank understands the role marketing plays in success for the farmers he
and the community have grown to love. “For a while, I’ve loaned out one of my books, “The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing,” to our vendors because I genuinely want them to succeed in their endeavors here and back at their farms,” Frank said. “Learning to market oneself, especially for farmers, is integral, and I believe the vendors here have learned to draw from each other’s strengths.” In the past few years, local farmers markets have seen a rebirth. Although participation in farmers markets has ebbed and flowed over the years, farmers markets are now no longer simply a grab-and-go location. They are instead a place folks of all ages can kick back, relax and hang out for hours. Open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., there are plenty of opportunities to stop by the Mississippi Farmers Market and learn the faces and stories of the people who grow your food. Maybe I’m not alone in this, but I’ve always heard that things come in cycles. What this appears to mean is that if a generation opts to skip out on an idea, product or fashion trend (hello current fad of 80s-inspired high-waisted shorts), it’ll simply come back in the next generation. Whatever you do, from grabbing a bite at The Farmer’s Table or enjoying the entertainment, your support of local farmers markets ensures that they won’t be one of those things that comes in cycles. Who knows? If you go, you may even want to break out the 80s-inspired highwaisted shorts. No judgment here. FB
BY ERIN MCDILL WILLIAMS
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY
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A GIFT FOR GR WING PEACHES B Y G LY N D A P H I L L I P S
H
omer Wilson is an 81-year-old
working entomologist who possesses a gift for growing peaches. His farm near Fulton boasts 60 peach trees that produce some nine varieties of his favorite peaches. “I’ve learned from experience how best to grow them,” he said. “I have Red Globe, which is a huge, flavorful peach. Some of my Red Globes have weighed a pound. I grow Hale Haven, which should be ready by now (mid-June) but is two weeks late because of the weather. I have Red Haven and Elberta, J. H. Hale and Bell of Georgia. I also grow the old-time Indian peach, which is very popular and a good pickling peach. I grow nectarines, but some of them were killed by the freeze this year.” Homer is considering adding a variety of peach that produces in late August and early September. “I stopped by a farmers market in South Carolina in early September, and they were selling huge peaches just coming off the trees. I want to buy some of those trees and try them.” At maturity, Homer’s peach trees stand 12 and 15 feet tall. “I tend to the trees myself,” he said. “My grandson helps with the pruning, and that’s the hardest and most important part of the process. But I do all of the spraying and all of the picking. My yield depends on the season. “This year, I will get 50 percent of a normal crop. That is about 100 to 110 bushels. In a good year, with a full crop, I can expect 200 bushels. It is easy to grow at least four bushels to a tree or eight to nine bushels in a good year. I am trying to thin the trees some because that makes the peaches grow bigger. My customers want bigger peaches.” For information, Homer relies on the Southeastern Peach Growers Association as well as Extension research from Georgia and South Carolina, big peach-growing states. 16
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He says Mississippi does well with peaches but is a little on the cold side. “I’ve had more loss from spring freezes,” he said. “If you can get past the spring cold, then this is a great state to grow peaches.” With peaches, Homer says the insect problem is not bad but there is a lot of disease, especially brown rot if the weather has been rainy. “You can’t spray during wet weather and I don’t like to spray on ripening peaches, so
that poses a problem,” he said. “But you can help control disease by controlling a tree’s access to sunlight and air. One hour of morning sun is worth three hours of afternoon sun. A lack of sunshine can really cut into the size of your peaches.” As a child, Homer lived near his maternal grandfather, who had a peach orchard. “I would help him gather the peaches by climbing into the trees. I’ve always loved to eat peaches, and I still do. As an adult, I began planting my own trees, and I had a great peach orchard on Old Highway 25, where I lived in the 1980s. When I bought this place in 1994, I put out peach trees before we built the house in 1997. I had to move some of the trees to build the house.” Homer also grows apples, including Arkansas Black, Red Jonathan and Smokehouse, as well as a Japanese persim-
mon that is decorative and eats like an apple but is much sweeter. He puts in a big vegetable garden every year, with tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers, squash, cantaloupes and watermelon. He grows peppers, field peas and butterbeans for himself and his family. With help from his wife, Kay, Homer sells peaches and vegetables on his farm. He also takes his produce to a Fulton farmers market on Fridays. “If I were a young man, I’d find 20 or 30 acres of loam soil on a creek and grow peaches, green beans, tomatoes and squash. There is such a demand for them these days. I have established customers here in Fulton as well as in Pontotoc, Belmont, Booneville and Hamilton, Alabama. Some of these men and women have been with me for a long time. I just call them when the produce is ready, and it is gone.” The peaches and vegetables are a hobby for a man who continues to walk cotton fields. “I have four cotton farms in Belmont and one in Mantachie that I see about,” he said. “Cotton has been good to me. In 1965, the year after I got my master’s degree from Mississippi State University, I went into business for myself. I had worked for someone else before that. “I have done very well with my work, and I’ve enjoyed it. It gets tiresome by the time the season is over, but by the time the next year rolls around, I am anxious to get started again.” Homer also helps his daughter and son-in-law at Holley Farm, a popular agritourism operation near Fulton. Homer and Kay are Itawamba County Farm Bureau members. Homer’s daughter is Itawamba County Farm Bureau Women’s Chair Jan Holley. Jan received the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation’s Excellence in Leadership Award in 2012. He has one son, Brian. FB SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
“I HAVE DONE VERY WELL WITH MY WORK, AND I’VE ENJOYED IT. IT GETS TIRESOME BY THE TIME THE SEASON IS OVER, BUT BY THE TIME THE NEXT YEAR ROLLS AROUND, I AM ANXIOUS TO GET STARTED AGAIN.” HOMER WILSON
OLLING R ST
Remembrance We don’t hear much these days about World War I, which began 100 years ago this August. As the troops marched from many nations, bands played, flags waved and orators waxed eloquent that war is ennobling, their nation and its soldiers would cover themselves in glory and this was to be the war to end all wars — all of which was foolish and false. Modern weapons and obsolete tactics made it the war that greedily by Sam Scott devoured a generation of European and British lives, changing the world forever. Alan Seeger’s poignant verse captures the moment: “But I’ve a rendezvous with Death At midnight in some flaming town, When Spring trips north again this year, And I to my pledged word am true, I shall not fail that rendezvous.” When the armistice was declared in November, 1918, forty million1 souls had kept a rendezvous with death or been wounded. The numbers are still staggering a century later. For example, on July 1, 1916, the French and British launched an offensive known as the Battle of the Somme in France. In the artillery barrage that preceded it, the British fired more than a million and a half high-explosive shells. Over 100,000 British troops went over the top of the trenches, and at the end of that one day, over 57,000 were killed or wounded. This is but one example of the slaughter that lasted for four years. America finally entered 18
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the war in 1917, and its casualties were significant but light compared to the British, French and Germans.2 The British began to consider how to remember and memorialize their war dead, and in 1917, the Imperial War Graves Commission was founded to honor its forces who died from wounds inflicted, accidents occurring or diseases contracted, while on active service whether on sea or land. Remembering that the British Empire included many nations, including Ireland, Scotland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and India, this was a task of a magnitude never before undertaken by any nation. By 1937, the commission had identified 580,000 graves, 180,000 unidentified graves and 530,000 unknown graves, and had created cemeteries and memorials in over 100 nations. Britain was still a class-conscious nation, but in these cemeteries and memorials, there were then unique and controversial decisions. Private memorials were not allowed in any military cemeteries. Repatriation of bodies to England was prohibited. There was no distinction between officers and men lying in the same cemeteries in the form or nature of memorials. A universal simple headstone was used. A large horizontal marker was placed in the cemeteries with words by Rudyard Kipling, the great British author, inscribed thereon: “Their Name Liveth Forevermore.” For unidentified or unknown graves, Kipling wrote: “A Soldier of the Great War, known unto God.” A tall cross was placed in each cemetery with softly rounded arms, and in it was a sword pointed downward, signifying death in battle. It became known as the Cross of Sacrifice. Three great monuments were built in France and in other cemeteries worldwide, varying from a few graves to over 11,000 and
created for perpetual care. To the extent possible, they would recreate the homely sense of an English churchyard. Nurseries for millions of trees, shrubs and flowers were created and planted. Thousands were employed in this undertaking, and housing, food and recreation facilities were furnished along with schools for their children. Registries of the dead were created and maintained, photos of graves were sent to families, questions were answered and guidance to locate the graves was provided. Just as the first phase of the work was finished, World War II began and greatly complicated and expanded the work of the commission, but it has never flagged from its duty, which continues to this day.3 This monumental and permanent task is an eloquent response to the phrase: Lest We Forget. King George V, speaking in France in 1922, said, “I have many times asked myself whether there can be more potent advocates of peace upon earth through the years to come than this massed multitude of silent witnesses to the desolation of war.” Alas, it did not prove so! 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. 1
There is much confusion about casualty numbers, but this is best estimate. 2 For American memorials, see “American Armies and Battlefields in Europe — U.S. Govt. 1938 shows 52,947 killed and 202,628 wounded. 3 See “The Unending Vigil” by Phillip Longworth covering the period 1914 to 1967. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
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Land Program Review BY DO U G ERVI N — MFB F L AND PROG RAM D I REC TO R
he Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Land Program has worked diligently throughout the year to protect your landowner rights. Our Land Committee has been involved in many areas of the land industry, including private property rights, taxes, agritourism recreational uses of land, wildlife issues, rural development and mineral rights and royalty issues, especially in the southwestern area of the state, where the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale has many landowners excited about the possibility of oil being produced from their land. Each year, we continue to work with the Mississippi State University Natural Resource Enterprises Department to host statewide workshops designed to help landowners better utilize their assets. These workshops provide information on hunting leases, agritourism opportunities, bird watching and many great uses for your property. This year, over 100 landowners attended, and participation is growing every year. Also this year, we had a good attendance at our winter commodity conference. The first part of the conference deals with landowner-specific issues. Stan Ingram, an oil and gas attorney from Jackson, was our guest speaker and updated landowners on several legal issues dealing with the oil industry. The Tuscaloosa Marine Shale (TMS) is the buzzword in southwestern Mississippi recently. The TMS is an oil and natural gas field located in southern Louisiana and parts of southwestern Mississippi. In Mississippi, the counties affected are Adams, Amite, Franklin, Pike, Walthall and Wilkinson counties. OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Mississippi’s land area, some 30,020,000 total acres, is some of the most diverse and fascinating in the country, with an abundance of wildlife. A recent land use survey conducted by the United States Department SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that our state has 6,063,000 acres of cropland, 2,223,000 acres of grassland pastures, 18,572,000 acres in forest use, 957,000 acres in special uses, including parks and wildlife management, and 1,607,000 acres in other land, such as marsh or open swamps. Research conducted at Mississippi State University (MSU) has shown that private landowners and farmers can diversify income and increase conservation on their lands by developing fee-access outdoor recreational enterprises (such as hunting, angling, wildlife watching and other naturebased activities). Landowner knowledge in establishing and operating these types of businesses is limited. Thus, the MSU Natural Resource Enterprises Program (NRE), working with collaborators like Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, has designed educational workshops, curricula and resource materials to train landowners and producers to develop outdoor recreational businesses on working lands. These businesses in the South are most often associated with hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, horse trail riding, farm tours (agritourism) and bed and breakfast enterprises. Expenditures incurred for outdoor recreation in Mississippi in 2007 by almost 1.5 million recreationalists are estimated at nearly $1.1 million annually (inflated to 2013 estimates). This industry is good for the state economically plus offers landowners incentives to conduct conservation on their properties to support wildlife and fish that are featured in many of these outdoor enterprises. NRE workshops lasting one day are typically held on private lands or farms that support an outdoor recreational business. Lectures are given in the morning session and include enterprise opportunities available on your land, legal aspects of operating a business, marketing and conservation cost-share assistance available to landowners. Following lunch on the grounds, an afternoon field tour offers participants the opportunity to view actual enterprise operations and conservation implemented on the host property. To measure specific impacts of NRE
workshops, surveys have been conducted with landowners and farmers who have attended past events to determine enterprise activities and associated conservation practices implemented on the farm. Survey findings from responses by landowners and farmers in Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana who have started outdoor recreational businesses during the past couple of years have been impressive. Over 100 landowners have initiated outdoor recreational businesses on their farms and properties, including 40 fee hunting operations, 46 hunting leases and over 30 fee fishing and agritourism operations. In terms of hunting-related businesses, over one-half featured white-tailed deer and wild turkey hunting excursions. On average, landowners earned almost $13,000 in additional annual income or $21 per acre from these ventures that represented over $1.4 million in aggregate cash flows from these outdoor recreational enterprises. Most landowners reported that they started their enterprises to improve income and recreational potential on their properties, to enhance wildlife and fish on their land and for personal enjoyment of operating their business. NRE-initiated outdoor businesses also enhanced resource conservation and wildlife management on the land. Survey respondents reported that conservation practices that included wildlife supplemental plantings, control of unwanted or invasive vegetation, disking, prescribed fire and forest management took place on over 150 farms, improving wildlife habitats on over 10,000 acres of private lands in Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana. Outdoor recreational businesses provide economic and ecological benefits to our state and to family farms and improved our natural environment in Mississippi. To learn more about the NRE program or to attend one of the workshops, please visit www.naturalresources.msstate.edu. FB A special thanks to MSU Natural Resource Enterprises Program Coordinator Daryl Jones for his help with this article. MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY
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Ocean Springs B Y G LY N D A P H I L L I P S
Ocean Springs combines a small-town Mayberry
charm with the laid-back vibe of an arts community and the hustle and bustle of a big city. Here you will find treelined streets filled with one-of-a-kind shops, art galleries, museums and restaurants. You will also discover excellent Ocean Springs is the oldest French settlement in the present-day United States. Known as the City of Discovery, in recognition of those French explorers who established the settlement in 1699, it takes its name from the many mineral springs located in the area. The L&N Railroad came through in the 1800s, playing an important role in the early growth of the town’s seafood and tourism industries. Trains still pass through the city today. Approximately 17,000 people call Ocean Springs home. “Years ago, we were known as a bedroom community for larger cities,” Mayor Connie Moran said. “Today, we have enough large businesses of our own, including our hospital and our schools, to offer employment to many of our citizens.” Ocean Springs is also home to the Gulf
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schools, a new sports complex, and a hospital that is part of a nationally top-ranked health care system. In addition, located as it is on Biloxi Bay, Ocean Springs offers beautiful white-sand beaches, a boardwalk with mosaic murals and lots of outdoor recreational opportunities.
Coast Research Laboratory and the Gulf Islands National Seashore Visitor Center and Campground. MAIN STREET AWARD
Through the years, Ocean Springs has remained strong and vibrant, despite the twin disasters of Hurricane Katrina and the Gulf Oil Spill and despite having little industry and absolutely no gaming. (Through the years, the city has consistently refused to accept gaming.) Along the way, it has become a model for other communities, winning numerous state and national awards, including the prestigious Great American Main Street Award for 2013. “We can’t compete with Pascagoula to our east with its industry or Biloxi and Gulfport to our west with their gaming, so we emphasize what we do have. We have
great people. We have over 100 fantastic restaurants, a strong arts community, excellent schools and a top-notch health care system,” said Mayor Moran. “You will find many one-of-a-kind boutiques in our downtown area that people like to spend time browsing through, and we are home to the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, Shearwater Pottery, the Ocean Springs Museum of History and the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center and Culinary Cafe.” In addition, the town offers special events year-round, including the Peter Anderson Arts and Crafts Festival, the largest festival in Mississippi with 100,000 visitors annually, and the popular Red, White and Blueberry and Feast of Flavors festivals, which each draw about 10,000 visitors annually.
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“We have something going on all of the time,” said Chamber of Commerce-Main Street-Tourism Director Margaret Miller. “These events bring together a large, diverse group of people, and that always makes for a great energy.” FARMERS MARKET
Ocean Springs is home to a successful 10-year-old farmers market called Ocean Springs Fresh Market, which emphasizes fresh, locally grown foods. Patterned after European outdoor markets, it is helmed by Diane Claughton, whose background as a chef and restaurant owner makes her uniquely suited for ensuring that customers find quality foods, including milk and dairy products (conventional and goat), fruits and vegetables (in season), salsas, honey, bread, beef jerky, barbecue sauce and baked foods. Ocean Springs Fresh Market sets up every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot in front of the historic L&N Depot Building (home to the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce-Main StreetTourism Bureau) on Washington Avenue near the downtown area. The market consists of some 25 to 30 vendors and enjoys a loyal clientele, which includes local chefs who shop for foods for their restaurants.
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“We don’t have crafts because we want our customers to be drawn to our farm products,” Diane said. “I have nine farmers I work with who are committed to this market. If we say we will be here, we are here unless the weather is so inclement it is foolish to set up.” The farmers market has been so successful Diane has expanded it to Gulfport and is considering setting up more markets further down the coast as interest continues to grow.
poses,” said Mayor Moran. “I also wanted lights along the length of the bridge and necklace lighting on the girders. Salvaged bronze plaques from the old bridge, which was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, as well as new bronze artwork decorate the walking path and emphasize the city’s history, the area’s flora and fauna and our place as an historic arts community.” COME SEE US
BILOXI-OCEAN SPRINGS BRIDGE
An important part of the Ocean Springs community is the redesigned Biloxi-Ocean Springs Bridge, which is reportedly used by some 25,000 drivers daily. “Following Hurricane Katrina, we worked with a group of architects to rebuild the bridge,” said Mayor Moran. “From a 4-lane drawbridge, we went to a high-rise 6-lane bridge that includes a new 12-footwide pathway on one side, where people can walk, jog or bicycle. Hundreds of people use the pathway every day.” If you hike the length of the bridge and back again, you walk 3.2 miles. In addition to getting your exercise, you get a great view of the water. “I insisted on being able to see through the railing for aesthetic and safety pur-
The city of Ocean Springs invites you to visit. “We think we are the best-kept secret in the Southern coastal region,” Mayor Moran said. “Many of us raised our families here, and we are invested in ensuring that the town remains strong and growing. I think you will be pleasantly surprised by what you discover here. You might even decide to live here. It’s happened with our visitors before, so I wouldn’t be surprised.” FB
For more information, visit www.oceanspringschamber.com. Photos of the Walter Anderson Museum of Art are complements of the museum. Lovelace Drugs and Farmers Market photos are complements of the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce.
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Fresh Tomato Soup
Recipese
2 c. fresh ripe tomatoes 2 T. flour ¼ tsp. pepper 1 c. half & half 3 T. butter 1 tsp. salt ¼ tsp. baking soda ½ c. chicken broth Peel and dice tomatoes. Simmer in butter five minutes. Puree in blender. Add flour, salt and pepper. Blend until smooth. Bring to boil. Reduce heat. Cook for two minutes. Add half & half and chicken broth. Stir and enjoy. Linda Bonds Tishomingo County
Blueberry Cobbler
Squash Pie
1 (16-oz.) can crushed pineapple 1 stick butter 3 c. blueberries 1 box yellow cake mix ¾ c. sugar, divided
1 qt. boiled, mashed, drained squash ½ c. sugar ½ c. flour 2 eggs, beaten 2 T. butter 1 tsp. vanilla 1 tsp. baking powder
Grease a 10 by 10-inch Pyrex dish. Pour pineapple into the dish. Top with berries. Pour ½ cup sugar over berries. Sprinkle dry cake mix over sugar. Top with ¼ cup sugar and 1 stick melted butter. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Adelean Emerson Alcorn County
Melt butter in warm, drained squash. Let cool. Combine sugar and eggs and add to squash. Add flour, vanilla and baking powder and put in a greased pan. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 40 minutes. Serve hot as a vegetable or cool as a dessert. Peggy Segress Claiborne 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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2014 Gary Langley Memorial Clay Shoot B Y K I R S T E N J O H N S O N — M F B F Y F & R C O O R D I N AT O R
On June 21, the Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) State Committee hosted the Gary Langley Memorial Clay Shoot at Kearney Park Farms in Flora. This yearly event is held in memory of Gary Langley, a previous YF&R State Committee member who lost his life in a tragic tractor accident. All of the proceeds from the event are donated to the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) YF&R Scholarship Foundation.
This year, even though the temperature was very hot, the event enjoyed a great turnout. Eighteen four-man teams competed for a variety of prizes. The course consists of 100 shots at 12 different stations, creating a challenging and fun course. The committee would like to thank all of the sponsors, donors and participants for making the event a success. They would also like to extend a very special thank you to MFBF President Randy Knight, North
Mississippi Vice President Donald Gant, Central Mississippi Vice President Ted Kendall IV and South Mississippi Vice President Reggie Magee for their generous donation of a Beretta A400 Explore 12 Gauge Shotgun awarded to the top shooter of the day, Jacob Lowery of Lowndes County. For more information about the MFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Program, call (601) 977-4277. FB
High Shooter of the Day was Jacob Lowery of Lowndes County.
First-place team members include Todd Dupré, John Dupré, Tyler Carlton and Skyler Magee of Simpson County.
Second-place team members include Jacob Lowery, Greg Lowery, Dalton Alexander and Joey McCullough of Lowndes County.
Third-place team members include Lee Hutchison, Andrew Parrish, Dustin Simmons and Jared Busick, MS Tent & Party Rental.
STATION SPONSORSHIP
Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company Agri-AFC Adams County Farm Bureau Yazoo County Farm Bureau Marion County Farm Bureau 26
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PRIZE SPONSORS
First South Farm Credit, ACA Walthall County Farm Bureau Walthall County Co-op Stockpro Animal Health Southern Ag Credit Bank Plus
Randy Knight, Donald Gant, Ted Kendall IV & Reggie Magee — Top Shooter Academy Sports — First Place Mississippi Ag — Second Place Watson Quality Ford — Third Place SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
National YF&R Prize Package
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) competitions will offer great prizes in 2015. Winners of the Achievement Award, Discussion Meet and Excellence in Agriculture awards will have a choice of a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado or a 2015 GMC Sierra pickup, sponsored by GM. In addition, they will receive a paid registration to attend the 2015 AFBF Engagement Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Three finalists in the Achievement
Award, Discussion Meet and Excellence in Agriculture contests will receive a Case IH Farmall 65A, sponsored by Case IH, along with a $2,500 cash prize and $500 in merchandise from STIHL, sponsored by STIHL. Winners will be determined at AFBF Annual Convention Jan. 11-14, 2015, in San Diego, California. For more information about YF&R competition, contact Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation YF&R Coordinator Kirsten Johnson at (601) 977-4277.
Mississippi YF&R state competition also offers a fantastic prize package.
In the event any of the national event awards are unavailable, AFBF reserves the right to substitute a prize of comparable or greater value at its sole discretion. Winners and finalists will be expected to 1) accept the awarded prize and 2) consent to the use of their name, likeness and hometown in promotional material, and must be legally eligible to do both.
Jay Leno to Address 96th AFBF Annual Convention Acclaimed late-night TV host Jay Leno will give the closing session keynote address at the 96th American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention and IDEAg Trade Show in San Diego on Jan. 12, 2015. About 7,000 Farm Bureau members
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from across the nation are expected to gather in San Diego Jan. 11-14 to hear from distinguished leaders and participate in a grassroots policy-setting process that will guide the American Farm Bureau Federation through 2015.
Leno, an admired stand-up comedian, is also a best-selling children’s book author, TV and movie voice-over artist, pioneering car builder and mechanic, and philanthropist. He has been widely characterized as “the hardest-working man in show business.”
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2014 County Annual Meetings Adams County Farm Bureau Thursday, Nov. 20, at 9 a.m. Farm Bureau Office Natchez
Grenada County Farm Bureau Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m. Farm Bureau Office Grenada
Lamar County Farm Bureau Monday, Sept. 15, at 6 p.m. Okahola Voting Precinct 59 Old Okahola School Road Purvis
Alcorn County Farm Bureau Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 6 p.m. Alcorn County Extension Office Meal will be provided. Bring your favorite dessert.
Hancock County Farm Bureau Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 7 p.m. County Office Grounds Kiln This is subject to change.
Amite County Farm Bureau Thursday, Oct. 9, at 6:30 p.m. Harrison Bldg. Liberty
Harrison County Farm Bureau Saturday, Oct. 4, at 6 p.m. West Harrison High School Gulfport
Madison County Farm Bureau Monday, Sept. 8, at 10 a.m. Farm Bureau Office Canton
Chickasaw County Farm Bureau Thursday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. Farm Bureau Office Houston
Hinds County Farm Bureau Monday, Sept. 29, at 1 p.m. Farm Bureau Office Raymond
Claiborne County Farm Bureau Thursday, Sept. 18, at 12:30 p.m. Farm Bureau Office Port Gibson
Jackson County Farm Bureau Saturday, Sept. 27, at 4 p.m. East Central Community Center 4300 Highway 614 Hurley
Marion County Farm Bureau Thursday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. Columbia Exposition Center 150 Industrial Park Road Columbia
Lauderdale County Farm Bureau Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 6 p.m. Farm Bureau Office Meridian
Monroe County Farm Bureau Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m. Farm Bureau Office Aberdeen
Clarke County Farm Bureau Thursday, Oct. 23, at 6:30 p.m. Multipurpose Building Quitman Please RSVP by Oct. 17 at (601) 776-6977.
Jefferson County Farm Bureau Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. Farm Bureau Office Fayette
Montgomery County Farm Bureau Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 6:30 p.m. Farm Bureau Office Winona
Clay County Farm Bureau Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 6 p.m. Farm Bureau Office West Point
Jefferson Davis County Farm Bureau Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m. Farm Bureau Office Prentiss
Neshoba County Farm Bureau Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 6:30 p.m. Neshoba County Coliseum Philadelphia
Covington County Farm Bureau Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 6 p.m. Multipurpose Building Collins
Jones County Farm Bureau Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 6:30 p.m. Farm Bureau Office Laurel
Newton County Farm Bureau Thursday, Oct. 16, at 6:30 p.m. First Baptist Church Newton
Forrest County Farm Bureau Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 6 p.m. Multipurpose Building County Extension Office 952 Sullivan Drive Hattiesburg
Kemper County Farm Bureau Thursday, Sept. 18, at 6:30 p.m. County Farmers Market Building DeKalb
Noxubee County Farm Bureau Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m. County Civic Center Macon
Lafayette County Farm Bureau Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 6 p.m. Farm Bureau Office Oxford
Oktibbeha County Farm Bureau Thursday, Sept. 11, at 6:30 p.m. MAFES Conference Center – Bull Barn Mississippi State
George County Farm Bureau Monday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m. Farm Bureau Office Lucedale 28
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Panola County Farm Bureau Monday, Sept. 15, at 6:30 p.m. Farm Bureau Office Batesville Light refreshments will be served. Pearl River County Farm Bureau Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 6:30 p.m. Jack’s Fish Camp 7921 Hwy. 11 McNeill
Smith County Farm Bureau Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m. Smith County Ag Complex Raleigh Program – Celebrating the Mississippi State Extension Service (1914-2014) Tallahatchie County Farm Bureau Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 7:45 a.m. Farm Bureau Office Charleston
Pontotoc County Farm Bureau Thursday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m. Pontotoc Community House Please bring a covered dish. Meat, bread and drinks will be provided.
Tippah County Farm Bureau Monday, Sept. 15, at 6 p.m. County Fairgrounds Ripley Ladies are asked to bring a dessert.
Rankin County Farm Bureau Monday, Oct. 20, at 6:30 p.m. Farm Bureau Office Brandon Hamburger supper will be provided.
Tishomingo County Farm Bureau Thursday, Sept. 18, at 6:30 p.m. County High School Cafeteria Iuka
Scott County Farm Bureau Thursday, Sept. 18, at 6 p.m. Roosevelt State Park Alfreda Lodge Morton Simpson County Farm Bureau Tuesday Sept. 16, at 6:30 p.m. County Junior Livestock Building Highway 49 South Mendenhall
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Wayne County Farm Bureau Thursday, Oct. 9, at 6 p.m. Farm Bureau Office Waynesboro Winston County Farm Bureau Thursday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m. Winston County Shrine Club Highway 15 South Louisville
Yazoo County Farm Bureau Thursday, Nov. 20, at 10 a.m. Farm Bureau Office Yazoo City
MFBF Annual Meeting Mark your calendars to attend the
93rd Annual Meeting of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation to be held Dec. 6-8 at the Hilton Jackson Hotel in Jackson. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Temple Grandin. Despite being diagnosed with autism as a child, Dr Grandin has enjoyed a successful career as a livestock-handling equipment designer, professor and speaker. Special musicians for the worship service are Susie and Mark McEntire. Susie, Reba’s little sister, has directed her talents to the country gospel side of American roots music. Mark often joins his wife onstage to sing and play a little blues guitar. A detailed convention schedule will run in the next issue of our membership magazine. FB
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Ag in the Classroom Workshops
Teachers from across the state participated in Ag in the Classroom workshops held this summer in Hernando, Cleveland and Hattiesburg. The workshops, coordinated by the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Program, are designed to give teachers ideas about how to incorporate agriculture into their classroom activities.
Mississippi Gourd Festival The Fourth Annual Mississippi Gourd Festival will be held Sept. 20-21 at the Smith County Ag Complex in Raleigh. The early-bird classes are scheduled for Friday, Sept 19.
For more information, visit www.mississippigourdsociety.org.
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Summer Commodity Meetings
The 2014 Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) summer commodity meetings enjoyed great speakers and an active participation in the policy development process. Pictured speaking to farmers attending the MFBF Summer Apiculture and Horticulture Meeting at the MFBF Building in Jackson is AgWorks President Dan Bremer. Bremer’s topic was “Farm Labor and Beyond.” Also on the agenda but not pictured were Dr. Alba Collart, Mississippi State University (MSU) Ag Economics, who gave an update on the 2014 Farm Bill, and Dr. Jeff Harris, MSU Apiculture Specialist and Researcher, who talked about issues affecting the apiculture industry. The 2015 MFBF Winter Commodity Conference will be held Jan. 26-27 in Jackson. See the related article on page 6.
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Ag Mag Issues Available Farm Bureau offers a children’s
agricultural newsletter called Ag Mag. Each issue features one Mississippi commodity through facts, activities, games and more. You can order copies of the newsletter for your local classroom or ag promotion events from our Ag in the Classroom Program. Dairy, corn, poultry and horticulture editions are now available for purchase. The cost is $5 for 20 copies. To order, contact Pam Jones at pjones@msfb.org or (601) 977-4854. Ag Mag, designed by Graphic Design Coordinator Danielle Ginn, won a firstplace award in AFBF communications competition in 2014.
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Ag in the Classroom T-Shirts & Fans If you haven’t 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. 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 Clara Bilbo or Pam Jones at (601) 977-4245 or (601) 977- 4854 or email them at cbilbo@msfb.org or pjones@msfb.org.
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MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY
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