VOLUME 92 NO. 3
MAY/JUNE 2016
Telling Agriculture’s Story
A PUBLICATION OF MISSISSIPPI FARM BUREAU FEDERATION • MSFB.ORG
C O N T E N T S
may /june 2016
Volume 92 Number 3 May/June 2016
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.
FARM BUREAU ACTIVITIES A number of important Farm Bureau activities were held this past winter and spring. Coverage can be found throughout the magazine.
Postmaster: Send address changes to P.O. Box 1972, Jackson, MS 39215 EDITORIAL AND BUSINESS OFFICES 6311 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS 39211 601-977-4153 EDITOR — Glynda Phillips ADVERTISING Angela Ellis 1-800-227-8244 ext. 4242 aellis@msfb.org FARM BUREAU OFFICERS President — Mike McCormick Vice President — Donald Gant Vice President — Ted Kendall IV Vice President — Reggie Magee Treasurer — Billy Davis Corporate Secretary — Kent Bloodworth FARM BUREAU DIRECTORS Carla Taylor, Prentiss Matt Ormon, Benton Jeffrey (Jeff) Hollowell, Lafayette Bob Workman, Quitman Gabriela Brasher, Tallahatchie Dan L. Bishop, Lee Scott O’Brian, Clay Craig Canull, Lowndes David Hayward, Grenada Dott G. Arthur, Leake William Jones, Lauderdale Paul Myrick, Jasper James R. Ford, Smith James G. “Jimbo” Newman, Issaquena Tammy Layton, Simpson Earl Gay Edwards, Amite Everett A. “Pud” Stringer, Marion Dot Cole, Perry Clayton Lawrence Jr., George Tom Daniels, Harrison Betty Mills, Montgomery David Arant Jr., Leflore
FARM BUREAU AMBASSADOR Farm Bureau Ambassador Jessica Smith of Picayune is eager to tell agriculture’s story at events and meetings across the state. Read more about Jessica and the Farm Bureau Ambassador program inside.
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Enjoy the recipes from “Country Cooking, Vol. V.” This cookbook is available at most county offices.
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FARM FACTS Lonnie Fortner, who grows cotton, peanuts, corn, soybeans and sesame in Claiborne and Warren counties, talks about farming in our “Farm Facts: Straight from a Mississippi Farmer” column. Come with us as we learn more.
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HONORARY VICE PRESIDENT Louis J. Breaux III 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.
DEPARTMENTS
ABOUT THE COVER
4 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 5 MEMBER BENEFITS 6-7 NATIONAL AFFAIRS REPORT
Farm Bureau Ambassador Jessica Smith is pictured at the Bost Extension Center building on the campus of Mississippi State University.
MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY
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P R E S I D E N T’S M E S S A G E Mike McCormick –President, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation
Our Story Mississippi’s approximately 37,100 farms are a source of income for many families across the state. They are also where we raise our children and where we enjoy outdoor recreational activities, such as hunting and fishing or simply riding our horses and ATVs. We deeply appreciate our way of life, and we express our gratitude daily as we go about the task of taking very good care of our livestock, row crops and timber, using the latest technology and science-based practices. That’s our story. That is the truth of the matter. As consumers become generations removed from farm life and as they begin to express an interest in how and where their food is grown, we must tell our story. We can’t let others tell it for us. Here at Farm Bureau, we offer many programs designed to teach the general public to appreciate what farmers do for all of us every day. Two of our teaching tools are the membership magazine and our Ag Mag children’s newsletter, which is inserted into the magazine three times a year. In this issue of the magazine, the Ag Mag Beef newsletter takes an informative and fun look at our state’s beef cattle industry. Ag Mag is geared toward school kids, but adults will find it interesting, too. I hope you will read the material, learn about our beef cattle industry and help 4
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our farmers tell their story as we battle the misinformation about agriculture that is so prevalent today. For example, some animal rights activists would have you believe that farmers mistreat their livestock. As I said before, our animals are our means of livelihood, so it is important that we keep them healthy, strong and happy. Besides, we just genuinely enjoy working with them. We also take very good care of the land and natural resources that support our operations. Once again, that’s our story. That is the truth of the matter. WASHINGTON TRIP
I spend a lot of time in Washington, D.C. It’s an important part of my job as your president. So far this year, I have met with members of our congressional delegation about specific issues of concern to the cotton, catfish and poultry industries. We’ve also talked about Waters of the U.S., an omnibus spending legislation for the federal government and a tax policy that provides stability for farmers. I am so thankful that Mississippi has a great group of senators and congressmen who are very open to working with Farm Bureau and state agriculture. I appreciate them more than words can ever express. In early February, we took a group of
volunteer leaders to Washington, D.C., for our annual fly-in visit, something we do every year before the weather warms up and our farmers begin planting their crops. It is always a very productive trip, and one that I enjoy immensely. I invite you to read about this trip inside this issue of our magazine. WE CARE
On another topic entirely, I want to introduce you to my hometown of Union Church in Jefferson County located in the southwestern corner of the state. Union Church was founded around the year 1805 primarily by a group of Scottish settlers from North Carolina eager to farm the fertile land along the eastern bank of the Mississippi River. McCormicks were among those early settlers, and we have been farming the area ever since. My wife, Suezan, and I live in a farmhouse that has been in my family for over 100 years. My story is interesting, but it is only one of many such stories you will hear from Farm Bureau volunteer leaders across the state. Our roots run deep in Mississippi agriculture and the Farm Bureau organization. We are a close-knit group of men and women eager to address the issues, both large and small, that make a difference in the lives of farmers and all Farm Bureau members. We truly do care about our communities, our state and our nation. Please join me in encouraging all Mississippians to become Farm Bureau members. Invite them to join our century-old commitment to helping others have a better life. FB MAY/JUNE 2016
National Affairs Report ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ BY JUSTIN FERGUSON, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation National Affairs Coordinator & Commodity Coordinator for Major Row Crops
Legislative Engagement Key to Agriculture’s Success Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) has a long history of legislative engagement in agricultural policy in Jackson and Washington, D.C. One of the key efforts organized by Farm Bureau annually is the MFBF Member Washington, D.C., Fly-In Visit. The Fly-In Visit provides Farm Bureau volunteer leaders the opportunity to pay a visit to our nation’s capital and spend time with members of Congress and government agencies that shape agricultural policy for America’s farmers and ranchers. This year, over 75 Mississippi farmers and ranchers participated in this unique opportunity. These men and women spent
time visiting with staff at the United States (U.S.) Department of Agriculture, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture and the Canadian Embassy to discuss policy matters currently facing agriculture.
SENATOR COCHRAN
SENATOR WICKER
Congressman Palazzo
Congressman Harper
Congressman Kelly
Congressman Thompson
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Members had an opportunity to personally visit with U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker. They also had the opportunity to visit each of their respective congressmen. Participants held group meetings with the offices of Congressmen Kelly, Thompson, Harper and Palazzo. For agriculture to thrive, it is imperative that Mississippi farmers and ranchers participate in efforts like the Washington, D.C., Fly-In Visit to create and maintain that dialogue between agriculture and the policymaking bodies that influence federal policy that impacts agriculture. FB
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Farm Bureau volunteer leaders and staff
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Telling Agriculture’s Story B Y G LY N D A P H I L L I P S
On a beautiful morning in February, Jessica Smith took a moment from her studies at Mississippi State University to talk about her role as the 2016 Farm Bureau Ambassador. Jessica won the title and a $4,000 scholarship at state convention in December, competing with outstanding college students from around the state. She says she is eager to tell agriculture’s story in the year ahead, and she has gotten some good pointers from her brother, Alan, who served as our Farm Bureau Ambassador in 2012. “Farm Bureau is a great organization,” she said. “I appreciate that it represents the interests of Mississippi farmers, and I look forward to working with staff members and volunteer leaders in the coming year to educate the public about agriculture.” FARM LIFE
Agriculture has always been an important part of Jessica’s life. Both sets of her grandparents were dairy farmers, and her parents have a 100-acre farm near Picayune, where they have a seedstock operation of 50 head of Simmental and Simmentalinfluenced cattle as well as commercial cattle. “From the time I was old enough, I have had chores around the farm,” Jessica said. “Growing up on a farm teaches you a good work ethic and a strong sense of responsibility. It builds character.” Jessica understands the importance of maintaining a strong agriculture industry and a great way of life. “I think it’s extremely important that we take the farmer’s story to the general public,” she said. “Most people today are uneducated about agriculture and misguided about what our farmers do. It is our job at Farm Bureau to help bridge the communication gap
MARCH/APRIL 2016
between consumers and farmers. We can’t let others tell our story for us.” ACTIVITIES
“I would love to one day work in the ag industry,” she said. “That is my goal. But even if I don’t, I will always have cattle or strong ties to agriculture, whether as a member of ag groups or through getting my kids involved.”
Jessica is a junior majoring in agricultural communications, so she knows how important good communication can be. In addition to her studies, she participates in SUPPORTIVE GROUP many activities, both on campus and away In conclusion, Jessica says she would like from campus, geared toward educating oth- to thank the members of the State Women’s ers about agriculture. Leadership Committee She is active in the for their help as she par“FARM BUREAU IS A GREAT Collegiate Cattlemen’s ticipates in various proand Collegiate Cattle- ORGANIZATION. I APPRECI- grams and carries out women’s associations as ATE THAT IT REPRESENTS THE her many responsibiliwell as the Collegiate ties this year. INTERESTS OF MISSISSIPPI FFA. She is a member “These women have FARMERS, AND I LOOK of the Student Public been nothing but supRelations Association of portive, and they play FORWARD TO WORKING Mississippi and the Pi an important and speWITH STAFF MEMBERS Beta Phi sorority. She is cial role in all that we a junior board member AND VOLUNTEER LEADERS do for Mississippi agrifor the American Junior culture,” she said. “I IN THE COMING YEAR TO Simmental Association have enjoyed working EDUCATE THE PUBLIC and is in charge of the with Betty Mills, Clara ABOUT AGRICULTURE.” board’s membership Bilbo and the many communications efforts. other staff members JESSICA SMITH “I have been involved and volunteer leaders in the 4-H and FFA I have met across the programs my whole life,” she said. “I state. The events I have participated in so have shown cattle from the time I was old far have proven to be a great platform for enough to do so, and I still show them on promoting agriculture, and I can’t wait to the national level with the American Junior be a part of the summer and fall activities.” Simmental Association.” For more information about the Farm Jessica has won numerous awards for Bureau Ambassador scholarship program, showing cattle, including the Beef Premier contact Clara Bilbo with the MFBF WomExhibitor Contest at the Dixie National en’s Programs at (601) 977-4245. FB and the Hereford Development Contest at the Mississippi State Fair. At the time of her interview, Jessica had just returned from Jessica’s parents are Mark and Debbie Smith. Denver, where she attended meetings and Her grandmother, Charlene Smith, is chair of helped out at the 2016 National Western the Pearl River County Farm Bureau Women’s Stock Show. Committee.
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L*
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A
C
attleman Clyde Goudeau is the real deal. The 80-year-old renowned Brahman herdsman, breeder and judge has enjoyed a career that has spanned over seven decades and made a huge contribution to the American Brahman cattle industry. At the time of his interview, he was about to judge his last cattle show in February in Tampa, Florida. Clyde and his late wife, Betty Jo, opened their cattle fitting operation, Cajun’s Cattle Service, some 40 years ago in the gently rolling hills of Osyka in the southwestern corner of Mississippi. Before that, Clyde worked for some very large Brahman cattle operations in Texas, Louisiana and Florida. He had great mentors, paid close attention and gained a reputation as an excellent herdsman. He also seemed to have a natural ability for working with cattle. At its apex, Cajun’s Cattle Service bred, showed and sold prize-winning Brahman cattle for some 45 breeders around the state and nation. The operation boasted 150 head of show cattle as well as Clyde and Betty Jo’s own cattle. The business had 12 employees. Betty Jo, known for her business acumen, kept the books and helped out any way she could. Along the way, Clyde and Betty Jo helped to establish the Mississippi Brahman Breeders’ Association, the Mississippi Junior Brahman Breeders’ program and a 17-show circuit for Brahman cattle. At one time, Clyde would regularly travel that circuit, judging cattle shows across the state and nation. He has also helped cattlemen in Central and South America. He and Betty Jo also contributed to starting a Brahman herd at Mississippi State University.
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B Y G LY N D A P H I L L I P S
Clyde served two terms as president of the American Brahman Breeders’ Association. In 2015, he and Betty Jo were inducted into the association’s hall of fame. Clyde is grateful, but he doesn’t dwell on the accolades. He would much rather be outdoors with the cattle that dot the green pastures behind his farmhouse. If you visit his ranch, you understand why. American Brahman cattle have a unique beauty with their stately bearing, direct gaze, long floppy ears and big hump at the top of their back. Their color ranges from gray to red to white and black. Cattlemen appreciate their appearance, but it is their meat and their ability to produce hardy stock that excites them most. The American Brahman has been used to develop a number of other beef breeds here in the United States, including Beefmaster, Simbrah, Brangus, and Santa Gertrudis. Claude loves the purebreds, but the Golden Certified F1s on his operation are his moneymakers. The offspring of American Brahman mama cows and Hereford bulls, they are a strong, tough breed extremely tolerant of harsh conditions like the long droughts out West. Clyde’s pastures also boast offspring of American Brahman mama cows and Angus bulls. He says their thick coats allow them to tolerate the long cold winters up North. It seems Clyde has worked with cattle his whole life. “I was raised on a farm in Louisiana, where we had a little of everything, including Red Poll cattle. When my father died, I
began herding Brahman cattle at the age of nine for our neighbor, Circle D Ranch,” he said. “One of the managers, Uncle Joe Seymour, taught me a lot. He set me on my life’s course and lit the fire that still burns inside me for Brahman cattle.” At the age of 14, Clyde was recruited by a legendary herdsman to work for a large ranch in Texas. What Clyde decided to do instead was work for J.D. Hudgins, one of the largest Brahman breeders in Texas. After 2½ years, he returned home to Circle D Ranch then worked for a while in Kentucky showing cattle. “I met Betty Jo while I was in Kentucky,” he said. “We married and moved to Florida, where I worked for Polk Brahman Farms and A. Duda and Sons Ranch. In Florida, we had our daughters.” Clyde and Betty Jo eventually returned to Louisiana then opened their own business in Mississippi. Clyde lost Betty to cancer in 2001, but he looks back with pride and fond memories on the life they built together. And as is his nature, he also looks forward with anticipation to whatever the future might hold. Nine years ago, Clyde married the former Gloria McBride of Gonzales, Louisiana, and they live and farm on the ranch that was begun all of those years ago. Clyde intends to continue working with cattle, although on a smaller scale, for as long as he is able. He wouldn’t have it any other way. Working with cattle is for Clyde Goudeau as essential as the air that he breathes. FB Clyde Goudeau has been an Amite County Farm Bureau member for over 40 years. A special thanks to the The Brahman Journal as a resource for this article. MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY
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FarmFacts: S T R A I G H T F R O M A M I S S I S S I P P I FA R M E R
Proud to be a Mississippi Farmer by Lonnie Fortner
My name is Lonnie Fortner. I am the managing partner of Rock Lake Planting Company. Rock Lake is a diversified row crop farm consisting of 3,500 acres of cotton, peanuts, corn, soybeans and sesame in Claiborne and Warren counties. My wife, Karen, and I have two children, a daughter, Beth, and a son, Lee. My love of farming began at a very early age. I grew up on a farm in Webster County, and my earliest memories are of being in the truck or on the tractor with my daddy. Naptime was a nightmare for a 3- or 4-yearold who would have rather been in the field. Mother would try, though. I would lie awake, waiting for the sound of Daddy’s truck pulling up to the shop. It was then I would make my break for it because I knew Daddy would not tell me no. He always let me go with him, even if it meant me being in the way.
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As I got older, being in the field is where everything felt right. Till this day, it is all I ever wanted to do. To me, farming is a calling; it has never felt like work. People ask me all the time why I do what I do and work as hard as I work. I jokingly reply it’s my daddy’s fault. He instilled in me the work ethic and the love that I have for farming to this day. But as God and fate would have it, my life’s journey would take me away from Webster County and the farm. After graduating from Mississippi State, I went to work for the USDA-Farm Service Agency as a county director. I enjoyed working with the farmers in my counties and helping them in any way I could. But I missed farming. I just couldn’t get it out of my system. It was during this period of time I got to know JOC Carpenter and Emile Guedon, and they would give me the opportunity
that I had been praying for — a chance to start back farming. So in 1996, we moved to Port Gibson, where I began managing Rock Lake. And we’ve been here ever since. In 2006, I became a member of the partnership, and we have truly been blessed. If I had to think of a word to describe Rock Lake, it would have to be innovative. I have learned a lot over the past 20 years from JOC and Emile, but the main thing is not to be scared to try new things. The cornerstone of our farm has always been crop rotation. Without irrigation, rotation is one way to help maximize yields. We never plant the same crop in back-to-back years in the same field. Peanuts were added to our rotation in 2004. Now, on all of our acreage, we have a three-crop rotation.
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Lonnie and Karen Fortner with children, Lee and Beth.
We are constantly evaluating new varieties and cropping systems. I am always willing to work with Mississippi State and industry reps to put in variety trials or help in researching a production practice. — Lonnie Fortner In 2005, we began applying our fertilizer using variable rate technology. I felt it would be more cost efficient to purchase our own buggy and write the prescription for each field ourselves. This allowed us to reduce our fertilizer cost. We added guidance technology in 2006 to make us more efficient and to aid in the peanut harvest. We began planting cover crops in the fall to minimize soil erosion. Then in the spring, after the cover crop has been killed, we’ll strip-till and plant. One hundred percent of our cropland acres are farmed in a minimum-till system. Running a strip-till has allowed us to cut back on equipment and labor. We are constantly evaluating new varieties and cropping systems. I am always willing to work with Mississippi State and industry reps to put in variety trials or help in researching a production practice. This MAY/JUNE 2016
has led to us adopting twin-row peanuts and soybeans. We have also just recently begun growing sesame to add another non-legume crop in our rotation. It is important for us as farmers to evaluate the latest innovations and see which ones can be utilized on our farms to make us more profitable. I think as farmers we have a responsibility to give back to our local communities as well as to the agricultural community. Karen and I both try to give as much of our time as we can. She is very involved in our church’s youth program and in the school as well. I serve on the Mississippi Peanut Growers Association Board, Mississippi Peanut Promotion Board and as the Mississippi alternate to the National Peanut Board. I serve as vice president on the county Farm Bureau board, and I have served on the state board as well.
I am also serving a 3-year term on the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation’s Communications Committee. This is the steering committee for the Farm Families of Mississippi Agriculture Promotion Campaign. With the issues facing agriculture today, it is necessary for farmers to stand together with one voice. Farm Bureau is that voice. Growing up on a farm was truly a blessing. Being able now to share that same experience with my family is especially gratifying. I am proud to be a Mississippi farmer. The Farm Families of Mississippi (FFM) Agriculture Promotion Campaign was created to educate the public about the agriculture industry. For more information, contact Greg Gibson at (601) 977-4154. MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY
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“In my opinion, if you don’t take good care of your cows and you aren’t a good steward of the land, you won’t be profitable or stay in business very long.” JODY WAGNER
A MISSISSIPPI COW-CALF OPERATION B Y G LY N D A P H I L L I P S
Third-generation cattleman Jody Wagner of Hickory takes good care of his livestock and land. When you visit his 500acre Newton County farm, you see the truth of these words. His cows are healthy and strong, and they graze contentedly on the farm’s rolling green pastureland. It is a beautiful sight to see. “In my opinion, if you don’t take good care of your cows and you aren’t a good steward of the land, you won’t be profitable or stay in business very long,” Jody said. The Wagner cow-calf operation consists of 100 head of cattle made up of mature female cows, their calves and young female cows that are called heifers. The heifers will eventually produce calves when they are old enough. The farm also has bulls for breeding purposes. A cow-calf operation represents the beginning of the beef cattle industry cycle in the United States. COW-CALF PROCESS
“I raise calves then sell them after weaning them off their mamas when they are about 500 to 600 pounds,” Jody said. “I sell them to a stocker operation or a feeder calf operation. From there, they are either sold again or taken to a feedlot, where they continue to grow until they are large enough to be processed.” Jody says cows in a cow-calf operation are usually grazed on natural grass or on forages that are planted for this purpose. Occasionally, their diets are supplemented with minerals and some small amounts of roughage. In general, a cow-calf operation requires more acreage than other types of beef cattle operations, but some farmers use rotational grazing, which allows them to graze cows on smaller amounts of pastureland. MAY/JUNE 2016
SOME HISTORY
“I grew up on our family farm, and I began working on the farm at the age of 10,” Jody said. “Early in my career, I worked in
work together to keep our industry strong.” Jody serves on the Newton County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and is chair of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Beef Commodity Advisory Committee. He is also a member of the Mississippi Board of Animal Health. Jody’s wife, Jill, teaches agriculture and natural resources and is an FFA advisor at a local school. She is pursuing a Ph.D. from Mississippi State University. The Wagners have two sons, Drew, 12, and Russ, 9, who show steers, pigs and heifers in 4-H and love farm life. The family is active in their community and church. IMPORTANT COMPONENT
the feedlot industry in the Texas panhandle, but I have been back on the family farm since I was 26. I bought the operation from my mother.” Jody has a bachelor’s degree in animal science, with a concentration in animal nutrition, from Mississippi State University and a master’s degree from Oklahoma State University. As for specific skills, he says beef cattle farmers must have a fair amount of knowledge about a lot of different things, from plumbing to mechanics to veterinary skills. “You must also be patient, and you must love the outdoors and working with animals,” he said. FARM BUREAU
Jody, a longtime Farm Bureau volunteer leader, believes deeply in the organization. “Farm Bureau is the best advocate farmers have to ensure we have a continued opportunity to provide food and fiber for the U.S.,” he said. “It is important that we
Beef production is a significant component of Mississippi agriculture. According to figures from the Mississippi State University Extension Service, the total value of production of cattle and calves in Mississippi was estimated at $448 million for 2015. Total cattle inventory in Mississippi on January 1, 2016, was 940,000 head, including 500,000 head of beef cows and 155,000 head of beef cow replacements. Stocker cattle production is also very prominent, with 400,000+ head of stocker cattle residing in the state annually. Mississippi currently has a total of approximately 16,000 beef cattle operations. According to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, cattle inventory nationally (as of Jan 1, 2015) was 89.8 million, up 1 percent from Jan. 2014. The economic impact was $44 billion in farm gate receipts (USDA NASS). The number of farms and ranches specializing in beef cattle was 619,172 (2012), and the number of cattle and calf operations was 915,000 (2012). FB MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY
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Sweet Magnolia B Y G LY N D A P H I L L I P S
Sweet Magnolia Gelato Company (Sweet Magnolia) was born out of a love of family and a passion for cooking. “I am the cook in our family, and I am always looking for delicious, healthy foods to prepare for my wife and children,” said Hugh Balthrop of Clarksdale. “My family loves ice cream, and since a lot of the ice cream sold in grocery stores contains additives, I started making my own. It was such a hit with my family and friends, I began thinking about offering it to the public.” Hugh and his wife, Erica, are foodies who enjoy traveling and checking out eating establishments wherever they go. Hugh also looks online for new and interesting recipes to try. When he learned that Pennsylvania State University was offering a course in how to make ice cream, he decided to take it. “It was an intensive, excellent course,” he said, gesturing toward the mountain of books he has accumulated on the subject. “I also studied under a gelato master, and I learned to appreciate gelato. So in addition to a few ice cream and sorbet products, gelato is my emphasis now.” ARTISAN GELATO
Gelato differs from ice cream in a couple of important ways. First of all, it has a more intense flavor because it contains only 30 percent air as opposed to the 50 to 100 percent air in ice cream. Second, gelato has less sugar and fat than ice cream. Hugh purchased an Italian gelato machine (he has since purchased a second machine) and, through trial and error, came up with a variety of flavors. From Blueberry Cheesecake to Strawberry Champagne to Expresso and Peppermint Bark, there is something for everyone. The flavors often change, depending on the time of year and what is available at the local farms he uses. “My way of getting into the different stores
A COMMUNITY EFFORT
and restaurants has been to offer them samples to taste,” he said. “I ask them, ‘Do you like this? What can I do to make it better?’” One taste of the Vanilla-Honey flavor, and you see why Sweet Magnolia has quickly garnered a following. It is delicious, of course, but it is truly a product of Mississippi and Mississippi agriculture. As the base for its products, Sweet Magnolia uses fresh organic cream and milk from Brown Family Dairy in Lafayette County. The honey comes from the Powell and Sons apiary in Clarksdale. Blueberries and blackberries are from Peggy’s Blueberry Farm in Senatobia. Pecans and pralines come from Indianola Pecan House in Indianola. Pastured eggs are from The Peeples Farm in Oxford, and muscadines come from Woodson Ridge Farms in Oxford, just to name a few of the many flavors and participating farms. Sweet Magnolia sells its products to several Clarksdale restaurants as well as at Miss Cordelia’s in Memphis, Tennessee, and at Whole Foods grocery stores in Jackson, Mississippi, Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee, Birmingham and Huntsville, Alabama, and Duluth, Georgia. It is sold at Rainbow Co-op and McDade’s Market in Jackson and to Sugaree’s Bakery in New Albany. Sweet Magnolia products are also served at Surin of Thailand restaurant, Deep South Pops and The Manship in Jackson.
“We are a wholesale operation, but I may add a food truck or a retail front to this as space becomes available,” Hugh said, gesturing around what he calls his “gelato factory.” The space includes the two gelato freezers, storage freezers, a demo cart and a walk-in freezer. Sweet Magnolia is located in the Coahoma County Business Development Center, or “Incubator,” behind the Clarksdale Chamber of Commerce. The Incubator, which has been in operation since 1992, helps to support new businesses. Tana Vassell is the manager. Sweet Magnolia is featured in a documentary called “Delta Flavor,” which was shown at the Oxford Film Festival. Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation’s “Voices of Agriculture” television program featured Sweet Magnolia in a recent segment, and the gelato was served at recent Delta Supper Club dinners at Dockery Farms near Cleveland and New Roxy in Clarksdale. Sweet Magnolia regularly hosts students who want to tour, observe and learn. Hugh is also proud of the fact that the business employs six local youths. “This is a community effort,” he said. “We want to support our local farmers and what they grow, but we also want to support our community by giving back through employment opportunities.” Hugh says the name Sweet Magnolia comes from the magnolia trees growing in his front yard. They were in full bloom as he was walking near them holding his daughter’s hand. “The scent was so wonderful and sweet, I thought, ‘Sweet Magnolia.’ It hit me just like that.” FB Hugh and Erica have three children, Ayinde, 13; Mhina, 10; and Emeka, 7.
For more information, visit the Sweet Magnolia website at www.sweetmagnoliagelato.com or the Sweet Magnolia Facebook or Instagram pages. Sweet Magnolia is a member of Make Mine Mississippi. 16
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“This is a community effort. We want to support our local farmers and what they grow, but we also want to support our community by giving back through employment opportunities.� HUGH BALTHROP
New Orleans-Style Scampi
Recipese
2 lbs. fresh shrimp ½ c. fresh lemon juice 1 T. green onions 1 tsp. salt ½ tsp. paprika ¾ c. butter 1 ½ tsp. parsley, chopped 2 lg. cloves garlic, crushed Dash hot sauce Peel and devein shrimp, leaving tails on. Set aside. Melt butter over low heat. Add lemon juice and next five ingredients and mix well. Arrange shrimp in shallow baking dish. Brush shrimp with butter mixture and sprinkle with paprika. Broil five to six inches from heat, turning and basting until shrimp turns pink. Serve immediately. Clara Bilbo Madison County Sausage Mushroom Quiche
½ lb. sausage ¼ c. onion, chopped ¼ c. red bell pepper, chopped
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1 (3-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened ⅓ c. half and half cream 1 c. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded ½ tsp. pepper 1 (5-oz.) can sliced mushrooms or sliced fresh mushrooms ¼ c. green pepper, chopped 4 lg. eggs ½ tsp. salt 1 c. cheddar cheese 1 pastry shell
In a skillet, cook sausage for three or four minutes, breaking into small pieces. Add onion, peppers and mushrooms (if using fresh). Cook and stir until sausage is no longer pink and vegetables are tender. Drain and set aside. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in eggs and cream. Stir in cheeses, salt and pepper, and the sausage mixture. Pour into baked pastry shell and bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. If necessary, cover edges of pie crust with foil to keep from over browning. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Serves 6 to 8. Dott Arthur Leake County
Slow-Cooker Chicken and Dressing
1 rotisserie chicken, deboned and chopped 1 recipe of cornbread, crumbled 8 slices of day-old bread 2 stalks celery, chopped 2 med. yellow onions, chopped 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. pepper 4 lg. eggs, beaten 2 (14-oz.) cans chicken broth 2 cans cream of chicken soup 1 can cream of mushroom soup 3 T. butter Mix all together. Dot with butter. Cook 3 hours on high or 4-5 hours on low. Stir once. Betty Edwards Amite County COUNTRY COOKING, VOLUME V: These recipes are from “Country Cooking, Volume V,” now available at most county offices. The cost is $20. If you order a cookbook from the state office, you will pay $20 plus postage. • For more information, contact Pam Jones at (601) 977-4854.
MAY/JUNE 2016
Lap Throws
Afghan lap throws with the Ag in the Classroom artwork (the same as the T-shirts) are now available for $40 from the state office. The throws are maroon and are 51 inches by 38 inches in size. • For more information, contact Pam Jones at pjones@msfb.org or (601) 977-4854.
CALENDAR of EVENTS MAY 15 Deadline for Teacher/ Volunteer AITC Workshops
JUNE 1 Scholarships Deadline
JUNE 7-9 Teacher/Volunteer AITC Workshops Hattiesburg, Jackson, Hernando JUNE 25 Gary Langley Memorial Clay Shoot Kearney Park Farms, Flora JULY 6 Cotton Summer Commodity Meeting Grenada Extension Office, Grenada JULY 7 Peanut Summer Commodity Meeting Larry’s Fish House, Itta Bena JULY 15 Sweet Potato Summer Commodity Meeting Calhoun County Multipurpose Building, Pittsboro JULY 25-28 Youth Safety Seminar Gray Center, Canton MAY/JUNE 2016
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A Beloved Mighty Oak MYRTLE BELUE ALDRIDGE, 86, of the Providence Community near Hattiesburg estimates the live oak tree growing on Aldridge Farm is approximately 172.4 years old. It is awesome to think that a tree dating back to the early 1800s is still alive today. How much history and how many changes has it lived through? How many high winds and rainstorms, harsh winters and droughts has it endured?
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“You don’t have to travel to the Gulf Coast or to Louisiana to enjoy a beautiful old live oak tree. There’s one right here in Hattiesburg.” MYRTLE BELUE ALDRIDGE
In more recent years, the tree made it through Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Sixteen pecan trees on the farm were taken out by the storm, but the mighty oak remained. MEMORIES
The tree brings back memories. “My husband and I lived in town in the early years of our marriage,” she said. “When the city began to grow and become mostly concrete, we decided to move out to the country. One day, we happened to pass by a piece of property just off Old Highway 49 North in the northwest corner of Jones County. The land had a large field we loved, and we knew immediately that we wanted it. But it wasn’t for sale, and we didn’t think we had a chance of ever owning it.” At the time, Bill worked at Smith’s Bakery in downtown Hattiesburg, where he remained for 31 years until his retirement. A co-worker told him he knew the landowners. He said he would mention to Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Delk that Bill and Myrtle Aldridge were interested in purchasing a parcel of their land, but he cautioned Bill not to get his hopes up. He didn’t think the owners would sell. But the owners called. “They told us they were thinking about selling a little land because of their age and Alcorn22County Courthouse MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY
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health,” Myrtle said. “We went to meet (James) Walters, and two grandchildren, Jesthem, and discovered they were willing to sica and Joshua (Kristin). They also have three sell the 20 acres we had admired. My hus- great-grandchildren, Aldridge, Parker and band and I had always discussed everything Gracie. Bill and Myrtle had been married for together before we made a decision about 63½ years at the time of his death. anything. But when the owners told us how much they wanted for the land, Bill just ALDRIDGE OAK spontaneously said, ‘We’ll take it.’ I lowered Another wonderful aspect of owning my eyes and didn’t say a word. We bought such a glorious tree is that it can be seen the land, and we never regretted it. and enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. “We signed the deed to the land in May “You don’t have to travel to the Gulf 1968, so it has been in our family for 48 Coast or to Louisiana to enjoy a beautiful years as of May this year.” old live oak tree,” Myrtle said. “There’s one As the years passed, the Aldridges bought right here in Hattiesburg. 10 more acres from the Delks. “We had a professor from St. Louis Jesse and Willie Blanche Delk, who named Steve Badger, who has relatives in were married on Dec. 9, 1923, explained this area, stop by and tell us that every time to Bill and Myrtle that a cornfield was once he visits his family he enjoys looking at the located near the live oak tree. Jesse would oak,” she said. “Steve took photos of the tree use it as a shade tree. and measured it. We are in the process of The family tried to guess how the seed trying to get the tree registered, and we are for the oak had come to the land, whether a excited about that.” windstorm had blown it there or perhaps a Since the Aldridge family has been a large bird or an animal had brought it. part of Farm Bureau for 64 years, beginning “Oh, it was God’s work,” Myrtle said. this year, and since Myrtle always reads her “And isn’t His creation beautiful? The great Mississippi Farm Country magazine, she thing about this tree to me is that all of the thought other Farm Bureau members and members of our family have been able to friends would enjoy seeing and reading enjoy it. I think that’s pretty wonderful.” about the beloved mighty oak in these pages. Myrtle and Bill, who passed away in 2014 “To God be the Glory,” she said. at the age of 88, have one daughter, Teresa Here it is for your enjoyment. FB Historic Corinth Depot and Crossroads Museum MAY/JUNE 2016
Sale of Junior Champions
Pictured are the animals purchased by Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation and other sponsors at the 2016 Sale of Junior Champions. A special thanks to Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company; Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company; Farm Bureau
Reserve Champion English Steer - Preston Welch, Jones County
Bank; Mississippi Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company; Tico’s Steakhouse; Southern Cross Underwriters; Hilton of Jackson; TeleSouth Communications; Attala Frozen Foods; Ogletree Deakins; Matthews, Cutrer & Lindsay PA; and N & W Construction.
Champion Spotted Hog - Jessalyn Savell, Newton County
Champion Lightweight Goat - Anna Lee Guy/Dakota Rogers, Smith County MS Bred Grand Champion Barrow - Sarah Thomas Smith, Sunflower County
Reserve Champion Hampshire Hog – Sidney and Tripp McGee, Newton Reserve Champion Goat -Champion Light Heavyweight Goat, Triston and County Kylie Roberts, Smith County 24
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The old antique wood-burning stove is an interesting piece of memorabilia.
MAY/JUNE 2016
Our Food Link
The State Women’s Leadership Committee took a cash donation to Ronald McDonald House of Jackson as part of the Our Food Link program, which seeks to reach out to consumers of all ages and backgrounds with information about today’s agriculture. Committee members are pictured with Ruth Ann Allen, executive director of Ronald McDonald House of Jackson. Also pictured are Women’s Programs Coordinator Clara Bilbo, Women’s Programs Specialist Pam Jones and Wayne County Farm Bureau Women’s Chair Elsie McCollough. Making the presentation is State Women’s Chair Betty Mills. The donation is the result of efforts by volunteer leaders across the state. FB
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AFBF Convention Highlights Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) participated in American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention activities in Orlando, Florida, in January. William and Cala Tabb won the national YF&R Achievement Award competition, and J. Tedrick Ratcliff Jr. advanced to the YF&R Sweet Sixteen Discussion Meet semifinals. In addition,
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Matthew and Gaea Hock represented our state well in national YF&R Excellence in Agriculture competition. Also pictured are the Women Voting Delegates and MFBF President Mike McCormick with Mickey Mouse, who welcomed Mississippi volunteer leaders and their families to a special “Mississippi Dinner� at the convention. FB
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Blue Jeans Go Green
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When the State Women’s Leadership Committee read that cotton was being recycled for use as wall insulation in a New Orleans project for Habitat for Humanity, they decided to join Blue Jeans Go Green,™ a project begun by Cotton Incorporated to upcycle old jeans into insulation. “It was amazing how our Mississippi counties responded,” said State Women’s Chair Betty Mills. In all, over 2,000 denim items were collected then delivered to the MidSouth Gin Show. Pictured with members of the State Women’s Leadership Committee are Wayne County Farm Bureau Women’s Chair Elsie McCollough, Women’s Programs Coordinator Clara Bilbo and Women’s Programs Specialist Pam Jones. Since Cotton Incorporated started the Blue Jeans Go Green™ program in 2006, over one million pieces of denim have been diverted from landfills and over two million square feet of UltraTouch™ Denim Insulation have been generated. FB
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Winter Commodity Conference Excellent speakers and attendance marked the 2016 Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Winter Commodity Conference held in Jackson in January. The two-day event featured programs for land
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and forestry, livestock and aquaculture, and row crops and apiculture. Pictured, at left, is Bryce Knorr, senior grain market analyst for Farm Futures magazine, who presented a grain market outlook program.
MAY/JUNE 2016
Ag Day at the Capitol Ag Day at the Capitol was a great success this year, with volunteer leaders from across the state gathering in Jackson to visit the Capitol
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and have lunch with their legislators at Galloway United Methodist Church. Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves addressed the group.
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SEE PAGE 5 FOR A LIST OF OUR FARM BUREAU MEMBER BENEFITS.
Millie’s Chickens
The 2016 Ag Book of the Year is “Millie’s Chickens” by Brenda Williams, illustrated by Valeria Cis. One of Millie’s hens, Silkie, gets lost but is quickly found with a clutch of eggs. Millie is kept contentedly busy looking after the chickens and the new baby chicks. The book has an informative text on keeping chickens, chicken anatomy, the parts of an egg and the life cycle of chickens as well as suggestions of different cooking methods for eggs. “Millie’s Chickens” sells for $6 and can be ordered by calling Pam Jones at (601) 977-4854. We also have a limited number of past ag books of the year, “The Bee Man,” “Seed, Soil, Sun” and “Who Grew My Soup?” FB 30
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AITC T-Shirts for Sale
If you have not purchased your Ag in the Classroom T-shirt, contact Pam Jones at pjones@msfb.org or (601) 977-4854. The shirts are available in maroon or red, sizes Youth, small through large, and Adult, small through 3XL. The cost is $15 for short sleeves and $20 for long sleeves. Flo Blue Comfort Color shirts are also available. These shirts cost more but are still more affordable than if purchased somewhere else. Short-sleeve shirts are $18 and long-sleeve shirts are $23 in the same sizes as the T-shirts. FB
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