Mississippi Farm Country

VOLUME 89 NO. 1

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

A Publication of Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation • MSFB.org

Advertisement

MISS ISS IPPI FARM C OUNTRY Volume 89 Number 1 January/February 2013

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

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

Postmaster: Send address changes to P. O. Box 1972, Jackson, MS 39215

EDITORIAL and BUSINESS OFFICES 6311 Ridgewood Road Jackson, MS 39211 601-977-4153 EDITOR - Glynda Phillips ADV ERTISING Angela Thompson 1-800-227-8244 ext. 4242 FARM BURE AU OFFICE RS President – Randy Knight Vice President – Donald Gant Vice President – Ted Kendall Vice President – Reggie Magee Treasurer – Billy Davis Corporate Secretary – Ilene Sumrall FARM BU REAU DIRE CTORS Carla Taylor, Booneville Lowell Hinton, Corinth Ronnie Jones, Holly Springs Chris Lively, Clarksdale Randle Wright, Vardaman Kelcey Shields, Mantachie Mike Langley, Houston Kenneth King, Ackerman Wanda Hill, Isola Jimmy Whitaker, Satartia Oliver Limerick, Shuqualak Vander Walley, Waynesboro David M. Boyd, Sandhill David C. Barton, Raymond Jeff Mullins, Meadville Mike McCormick, Union Church Lyle Hubbard, Mt. Olive Larry Jefcoat, Soso J. B. Brown, Perkinston Louis J. Breaux IV, Kiln Betty Mills, Winona Jon Koehler Bibb, Tunica

CONTENTS

Features 4 PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAM

Farm Bureau is a grassroots organization. The policy that guides our work in the Legislature and Congress each year begins on the county level.

Come with us as we learn more about the MFBF Public Policy Program.

16 SOLVE THE MYSTERY This Oktibbeha County community, located 10 miles south of Starkville, was once known for its dairies. Read the clues and make your guess.

22 PROMOTING LOCALLY GROWN FOOD

This past September, Table 100 restaurant in Flowood hosted its first locally grown food event to honor area farmers. Our Farm Families of Mississippi Ag Promotion Campaign received a donation from proceeds from the event. Read more about this inside.

“Our mission is to create an environment in which Mississippi farmers, ranchers, and Farm Bureau members can have a better life and make a better living.”

Departments 4 President’s Message 6 Commodity Update: Apiculture 7 Commodity Update: Sweet Potatoes 18 Counsel’s Corner 20 Member Benefits Spotlight

HONORARY VICE- PRESIDE NTS Louis J. Breaux III Warren Oakley 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.

Design: Coopwood Communications, Inc.

About the cover Sen. Billy Hudson of Hattiesburg and Rep. Preston Sullivan of Okolona chair the Senate and House ag committees. These men are featured inside this issue as part of our MFBF Public Policy Program spotlight.

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

3

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Randy Knight, President Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation

Farmers Helping Farmers As I stand before the House of Delegates at state convention each December, I always experience a sense of pride and gratitude. The decisions made by this group of outstanding Farm Bureau volunteer leaders have never failed to move our organization forward.

I also feel hopeful about the future. Right now, in this time and place in history, so many innovative, visionary individuals are lending their support to Farm Bureau and Mississippi agriculture. These creative and resourceful men and women aren’t afraid to voice their opinions, and they do not hesitate to try new ideas. These are exciting times for farmers.

Another emotion I experience as I watch the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Jackson slowly fill with hundreds of our voting delegates is a sense of awe. In that vast sea of faces, I see individuals from every county, representing every possible agricultural commodity. It is amazing to realize that we all share a common bond. All of us know how difficult farming can be at times and how blessed we are in those years when everything falls into place. We also know that Mississippi farmers are important not only to our state and nation but to every single person in the world. Everyone benefits from agriculture.

All of this makes the work that we do in Jackson each year all the more significant.

During our annual business session at state convention, our voting delegates approve the policy that guides Farm Bureau’s efforts in the Legislature and Congress. We are a grassroots organization. What that means is that the policy that drives our work begins on the county level with the problems, opportunities and suggestions voiced by you, our volunteer leaders.

Farm Bureau was only a few years old when a public polWhat We Do

4

icy program was developed to work with issues affecting our members’ lives and livelihoods. Through the years, the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Public Policy Program has enjoyed much success, but never without the committed and sustained effort put forth by our strong statewide network of volunteer leaders.

As we approach the next legislative session, I encourage you to get involved. We need your visits to the Capitol, your letters, your phones calls, your emails and your participation in our local and state activities. If you have any questions, I encourage you to call our MFBF Public Policy Department at (601) 977-4226.

More information can be found inside this issue of our membership magazine.

Each year at state convention, we also recognize outstanding county programs and volunteer leaders. A complete coverage of convention activities will run in the next issue of our magazine. As you look through the photos and articles, I think you will agree that our leaders and programs are exceptional.

I am writing my column in mid-October, so we haven’t yet experienced Election Day or the recommencement of work in Congress on the 2012 Farm Bill. I am unable to comment on the outcome of either, but I can say for sure that Farm Bureau remains committed, as always, to supporting Mississippi farmers.

In conclusion, I wish for you and your family a happy and prosperous New Year. I appreciate your loyalty to Farm Bureau, and I urge you to continue working together to move our organization and Mississippi agriculture ever forward.

As always, I welcome your ideas, your energy, your thoughts and your prayers.

A New Year

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

Issues that Help Agriculture and Rural Life Samantha Newman MFBF Public Policy Director

Life will always present us with challenges. This is especially true in farming. Sometimes, we will get too much rain; sometimes, there won’t be enough. Thankfully, after several challenging years, our farmers have had a good year. We didn’t have to contend with the flooding or the tornadoes of 2011, and only a small portion of our state suffered from the drought that devastated the Midwest.

However, we are dealing with the effects of drought and what it has done to the mighty Mississippi River. The river has been at its lowest levels in years, making it hard for barge traffic and getting crops up and down the river.

All of these challenges might be difficult, but they are simply a part of farming, the risk of putting seed in the ground or raising livestock.

What Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation does each year is try to help with the things that are manageable. When our membership sees an area that can be improved through legislation, they bring it through our policy process. If only we could control the weather, we would always have good crop years.

Below are some of the issues that Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation worked on to help agriculture and rural life in Mississippi.

Sales Tax on Farm Equipment - Increases

the rate on farm tractors from 1 percent to 1.5 percent and reduces the rate on sales of selfpropelled equipment from 3 percent to 1.5 percent and parts and labor from 7 percent to 1.5 percent. The farmer must sign an affidavit saying he is a farmer to receive the sales tax reduction.

Right to Farm – Revises immunity for cer-

tain agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits and adds honey bees to the definition of agricultural operations to the Freedom to Farm Act. JANUARY/FEBRUARY

Harvest Permits – Extends the repealer on the provisions of law that authorize MDOT to issue harvest permits to owners and operators of vehicles hauling certain products through 2013.

Farmers Market – Clarifies the sales tax provision as it relates to certified farmers markets through the Department of Agriculture and Commerce.

Emerging Crops – Allows for additional

money for upgrading and retrofitting agribusinesses up to $200,000 interest free. This program is administered by Mississippi Development Authority.

Farm Families Tag – Creates a specialty tag

for Farm Families of Mississippi, with the funds going to help support the Farm Families of Mississippi campaign.

Revises regulations relating to the use of ATVs in public waterways by penalizing the ATV rider if riding without permission from the landowner on each side of the waterway.

Calendar of Events Jan. 8 Legislative Session Convenes Jan. 8 County Board & Secretary Training Ag Museum Jackson Jan. 13-16 AFBF Annual Meeting Nashville Jan. 28-29 Winter Commodity Conference MFBF Building Jackson Jan. 28 Legislative Reception Jackson Feb. 8-12 AFBF YF&R Conference Phoenix Feb. 19 Women’s Day at the Capitol & Food Check-Out Day

ATV Trespassing in Public Waterways –

Agritourism – Provides limited liability to farmers engaged in agritourism operations (i.e., corn mazes, pumpkin patches, u-pick gardens), who register with the Department of Agriculture and Commerce.

Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Act – Creates a volunteer committee of small

business owners and officers who review proposed and existing regulations in our state to determine if those regulations are harmful to small businesses.

We will continue to watch out for encroaching issues that are harmful to agriculture and forestry. Agriculture is our state’s heritage and something we take pride in maintaining as a way of life.

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

Feb. 22-24 State YF&R Conference Biloxi Feb. 26, 27 & 28 Grain Bin Extrication Workshops Starkville, Belzoni, Cleveland Feb. 28 Mississippi Women for Agriculture Annual Conference Raymond March 12 Ag Day at the Capitol April 26 Women’s Leadership Conference Jackson April 23-24 Secretaries’ Conference Jackson June 11-13 AITC Workshops 5

COMMODITY UPDATE: APICULTURE Steven Coy - MFBF Apiculture Advisory Committee Chair Terry Norwood - MFBF Commodity Coordinator for Apiculture

Mississippi Beekeeping in 2012 The diversity of Mississippi’s honey plants makes it difficult for universal statements about the condition of beekeeping as a whole across the state. The winter of 2011- 2012 was milder than normal and allowed the bees to start the year in good condition. The early spring rains turned into a severe drought through much of the Steven Coy state, which impacted honey production in some areas more than others. Reports at the annual meeting of the Mississippi Beekeepers Association in October suggested that many beekeepers made an average to above-average honey crop this year, and the price remained good but was beginning to soften. Those who delayed harvest or held the crop will be disappointed by a lower price. Most beekeepers said that the colonies which were still alive were looking good, and they expected them to survive the winter well.

In the central part of the state, the early honey flow was intense but stopped too soon. In the Delta region, the unusual spring weather progressed into a dry summer, but that did not seem to have any adverse effect on the honey flow. In the south, the main flow was significantly less than normal, but in some areas, the hives were able to fill their boxes before the last bloom ended. The east central and northeast portions of the state suffered from the drought the most, with producers reporting average to below-average crops this year.

For the backyard beekeepers, it’s time to make sure colonies have been treated for Varroa mites and have enough feed for the winter then put the lids on until early spring. However, the commercial honey producers will be busy sorting, grading and moving bees in preparation for almond pollination. These days, most of the commercial honey producers rely on almond pollination to remain profitable.

Approximately one-half of the 2.4 million commercially managed hives in the U.S. are sent to California almonds each year. In fact, there are 90 crops in the U.S. that rely on managed bees for pollination. While most of those crops are not grown in Mississippi, our resident and nonresident migratory beekeepers provide more than 100,000 colonies for pollinating many of those crops in and across the U.S.

6

While the widespread collapse of colonies which made the headlines in years’ past is not common, keeping colonies alive and healthy is a constant struggle. Some beekeepers are still suffering the devastating effects of CCD, the result of which is often a loss of more than 50 percent of colonies in a matter of days. We won’t Terry Norwood really know how well the bees survive the winter until they are graded for quality in the almonds in late January. But currently, most hives look healthy.

In addition to the weather, the control of the Varroa mite was a challenge this year. The most effective miticide we had was unavailable for most of this year. In October, EPA announced that South Dakota had been granted a Section 18 for the use of amitraz strips to control the Varroa mite. This is good news, but it will not be available in time for effective control this year. At the time of this writing, the Mississippi Bureau of Plant Industry, Pesticide Division, was applying for a Section 18 for use by Mississippi beekeepers. This will allow beekeepers to treat early next spring.

Most of the honey produced in our state is considered Extra Light Amber or Light Amber in color. The price of this darker honey dropped almost 30 cents per pound from July to October because of increased imports. Imports from China and other Asian countries have severely impacted the wholesale market for honey the past few years.

Beekeepers are as optimistic as any other agricultural producers. We must be; we rely on the flowers to bloom, which depends on the weather. Who in their right mind would rely on the weather and how it impacts plants for their livelihood?

We are already looking forward to next year. Unfortunately, beekeepers in the Midwest suffered short crops and stressed colonies because of the drought. This could help Mississippi beekeepers by keeping higher and more stable prices for pollination due to fewer hives available to pollinate almonds. We expect that honey prices will at least remain at current levels.

Beekeeping in Mississippi has its challenges, but with the support of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, we can make life a little sweeter for all of agriculture.

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

COMMODITY UPDATE: SWEET POTATOES Randle Wright - MFBF Sweet Potato Advisory Committee Chair Samantha Webb - MFBF Commodity Coordinator for Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Facts about Mississippi Sweet Potatoes

The sweet potato is a major commodity grown on over 100 Mississippi family farms, many of which have been in the business of producing sweet potatoes for several generations. The state’s sweet potato industry is primarily located in North Mississippi, but much of the industry is concentrated near the town of Vardaman in Calhoun County. The area’s rich, fertile soil is Samantha Webb especially suited for growing sweet potatoes and produces potatoes with a delicious flavor and a smooth, creamy texture that make them practically melt in your mouth.

They truly are gems of the earth.

Last year, Mississippi farmers planted 22,400 acres of sweet potatoes, making us the second-largest sweet potato-producing state in the United States. Mississippi sweet potatoes are Randle Wright shipped all over the nation and even exported to other parts of the world for people everywhere to enjoy.

In Mississippi, we are fortunate to have these delectable, locally grown potatoes close at hand, where we can enjoy their fresh, rich flavor straight from the farm. For a list of Mississippi sweet potato farmers who package and sell potatoes, please visit the Mississippi Sweet Potato Council Web site at http://www.mssweetpotato.org/front/frGrower.php.

Mississippi sweet potatoes are available year round and may be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Sweet potatoes bake, fry, boil and microwave just like Irish potatoes and may even be eaten raw in salads or with dips. The sky is the limit when it comes to preparing these delicious treats.

In addition to their wonderful taste, sweet potatoes are considered one of the healthiest foods available. They contain virtually no fat, no sodium and are a great source of dietary fiber.

One medium baked sweet potato has 140 calories, 28 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of protein and less than 1 gram of fat. In addition, sweet potatoes are considered to be one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can eat, containing calcium, potassium, iron, beta-carotene, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E and 327 percent of your recommended daily need of vitamin A. With stats JANUARY/FEBRUARY

like these, it is easy to see why many people have nicknamed the sweet potato a “Powerhouse of Nutrition.”

Take the opportunity to enjoy more locally grown Mississippi sweet potatoes. Not only are they delicious, but they pack a nutritional punch that is second to none. Please enjoy these recipes to help get you started.

Maple-Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Roasting sweet potatoes is even easier than boiling and

mashing them. Maple syrup glaze transforms this ultrasimple dish into something sublime.

Ingredients

2 ½ pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 ½-inch pieces (about 8 cups)

1/3 cup pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons butter, melted 1 tablespoon lemon juice ½ teaspoon salt

Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Arrange sweet potatoes in an even layer in a 9-by-13inch glass baking dish. Combine maple syrup, butter,

lemon juice, salt and pepper in small bowl. Pour the

mixture over the sweet potatoes; toss to coat.

3. Cover and bake the sweet potatoes for 15 minutes.

Uncover, stir and cook, stirring every 15 minutes until tender and starting to brown, 45 to 50 minutes more.

Tips and Notes

Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate for up to one day.

Just before serving, reheat at 350 degrees F until hot, about 15 minutes. Makes 12 servings, about ½-cup each. Active Time: 10 minutes. Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes.

Compliments of Mississippi Sweet Potato Council at www.mssweetpotato.org. More recipes listed at http://www.mssweetpotato.org/front/frRecipes.php and http://vardamansweetpotatofestival.org/recipes.

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

7

Ag High School Shapes Senate Leader

By Glynda Phillips

Sen. Billy Hudson feels right at home on the campus of the Forrest County Agricultural High School (FCAHS) in Brooklyn. That’s because he is a graduate of the school. He knows what it has meant to his life, to agriculture and to the state of Mississippi as a whole.

“In many respects, this school is ahead of its time,” he said. “Today, state lawmakers are just beginning to talk about a concept called Dual Enrollment, where high school students take college courses either on campus or at a local college. Our school has operated under that type of scenario since it was founded 100 years ago.

“What they do here at the Forrest County Agricultural High School is prepare kids for life. Some of these students will go on to college, but others will want to enter the work force directly after they graduate,” he said.

“This school prepares kids for college, but it also teaches them skills they can use to make a living without a college degree. This school is the bestkept secret in the world.”

8

The FCAHS Agricultural Department has one of the largest and most active FFA programs in the state. Sen. Hudson is shown with the school’s FFA officers.

Sen. Hudson says his time spent at the Forrest County Agricultural High School is why he serves today as chairman of the Senate Ag Committee.

“I grew up on a farm, but the Forrest County Agricultural High School lit a fire under me. It made me passionate about agriculture. I have spent my life working in the field of agriculture, first as a farmer and now as a farmer representing other farmers in the Senate.”

Sen. Hudson believes the school should serve as a model for other schools across the state.

“Kids who are not interested in college should have a way to pursue another dream,” he said. “This school buses in kids from all over south Forrest County so they can benefit from its unique approach to learning. Any child can attend, and it is free.”

Passion for Agriculture

Sen. Hudson is a cattle producer who at one time ran as many as 600 crossbred mama cows. He also worked out West for a time, buying and selling ranches. In his young adult years, Hudson started a little store that you might have heard of called Hudson Salvage. He says he had no idea it would take off like it has.

Farming Background

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

School Superintendent Dr. J. J. Morgan and Sen. Hudson

This school prepares kids for college, but it also teaches them skills they can use to make a living without a college degree. This school is the best-kept secret in the world.”

“I came to politics rather late in life. Although I served on the board of aldermen in Magee when I was 27, and although I served as a county supervisor for eight years and served one term on the FCAHS board, some 40 years would pass before I returned to politics.

“Now, I find myself in a position to help family farmers, and that is very important to me,” he said. “I take my job seriously because agriculture is our state’s largest industry. Poultry is a 2.4 billion-dollar industry, and forestry isn’t far behind. In addition, we grow row crops and farm-raised catfish. We are an important agricultural state.

“Anything we can do to keep that industry strong and to build on what we already have in place because of it can only benefit Mississippi economically.”

Sen. Hudson says important issues during the 2013 legislative session will include animal cruelty and immigration.

“In all issues during each session, we must protect our farmers, their way of life and their means of livelihood,” he said. “I know that I was always happiest when I was close to the land, working on my farm.”

In conclusion, Sen. Hudson says he believes in our Upcoming Session

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

FFA officers and Sen. Hudson are pictured with teachers Mike Dale, Ag and Natural Resources, and Yancie Ross, Agriscience.

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

9

Horticulture teacher Robin Gates is pictured in front of the greenhouse with some of her students and the FFA officers.

state and nation and the principles upon which our country was founded. He also believes in the work accomplished by Farm Bureau volunteer leaders each year on behalf of agriculture and every Mississippian.

“I like working with Farm Bureau; it is one of my favorite organizations,” he said. “I fell in love with Farm Bureau over the eminent domain reform issue. It has a special place in my heart. I am all for the people who work hard to buy land and pay taxes on it. They

should have a say-so about their land. It should not be taken from them for private development purposes through the eminent domain process.

“I also believe that our country is the greatest country in the world, and I believe that God is still in charge,” he said. “The founders of this country based it on Christian principles, and that is the finest concept imaginable.”

Sen. Hudson encourages you to let your voice be heard during the upcoming session of

the Mississippi Legislature. He says call him if you have a problem or concern.

“Working together, we can ensure that our agricultural industry remains strong and growing,” he said.

Sen. Hudson represents District 45. He and his wife Barbara live in Hattiesburg. They have five children, ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

FCAHS Agricultural Department The Forrest County Agricultural High School (FCAHS) in Brooklyn was established in 1911 to provide young boys and girls a school for training in the areas of agriculture and home. The school encompasses 320 acres, including a pine plantation, hay field, pastures, recreational fields and the main campus. Today, FCAHS prepares students for college and teaches them skills they can use to make a living without a college degree.

The Agricultural Department at FCAHS is continuing a long tradition of providing hands-on experiences for students. The program consists of a modern building with two large classrooms, a computer lab and a shop with a tool room modestly stocked with hand tools. A new livestock barn was built recently to provide an opportunity for students to learn about livestock management.

On the main campus are located a greenhouse, a small poultry house and a hog barn. Farm equipment includes computers with Internet access, welders, saws, oxy-acetylene torches, two tractors, hay equipment and chemical spray equipment for students to use on the farm. Teachers use all of these facilities and equipment for instruction and demonstration purposes.

The FCAHS Agricultural Department has one of the largest and most active FFA programs in the state. Students have the opportunity to gain leadership skills through FFA, and members participate in a 10

variety of career development events, such as livestock, poultry, horse, dairy, speaking and mechanics. Students are involved in all levels of FFA activities, from local to national events. Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE) provides a foundation for individual awards and for earning the state and American FFA degrees.

Community service is an important part of the FFA program.

The livestock and pasture component of the school farm at FCAHS is the largest segment of the operation. The school manages a commercial cow-calf operation on campus as a teaching tool for the ag classes. Currently, 30 head of Angus cross brood cows are maintained, and a Horned Hereford bull is being used as the herd sire. Hay equipment is used to round-bale Argentina Bahia and surplus Pensacola Bahia from the pastures. A small flock of hair sheep has been added, made up of Dorper and Katahdin crosses.

Curriculum for Agricultural Department classes includes an “Introduction to Agriscience” course and the career skills classes of “Agriscience I and II” as well as “Agriculture and Natural Resources I and II.” The horticulture program is the newest addition to the offering of the agriculture classes at FCAHS. For more information, call (601) 582-4102 or email jjmorgan@forrestcountyahs.com.

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

PIC Makes a Difference

When you donate to the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Political Issues Committee (PIC), you assure that Farm Bureau’s voice will be heard on matters of concern to 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 state Legislature • Specific issues voted on by specific segments of the farming community such as producers of certain commodities • National ballot issues

In recent years, PIC funds made it possible for Farm Bureau to conduct a very suc-

cessful eminent domain reform campaign.

PIC funds have also helped us make a difference in these areas: • Land-grant funding • Farm bill • Ad valorem taxes • Country of origin labeling • Disaster relief • Tort reform • Right to farm

Funds for the Political Issues Committee are collected through a voluntary checkoff on annual county Farm Bureau dues statements.

Please consider donating to PIC. Working together, through PIC, we can truly make a difference.

For more information about PIC, contact the Public Policy Department at (601) 9774226.

Grain Bin Extrication Workshops

Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation safety specialists will hold a series of Grain Bin Extrication workshops on Feb. 26, 27 & 28 in Starkville, Belzoni and Cleveland to teach farmers, firefighters and emergency operations personnel how to free workers trapped inside a grain bin.

The classes will be led by Dan Neenan, Director of the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety at Northeast Iowa Community College in Peosta, Iowa.

The daytime workshops will teach farmers and their employees the preliminary steps they should take until emergency personnel arrive. The night workshops will teach firefighters and emergency operations personnel how to extricate people trapped inside a grain bin.

For more information, contact the MFBF Safety Program at (601) 977-4242 or your regional manager.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

11

Farmers Can’t Afford to Be Silent

By Andy Whittington, MFBF Environmental Coordinator

I

I had a chance to tour the Louisville Slugger museum recently. It was very interesting to see the history of the baseball bat and how it evolved while still serving its intended purpose. The original bat looks much the same, but technology and time have redesigned the handle, different woods are used, the weight distribution tinkered with, but still just a stick of wood used to hit a ball outta the park. Or to rob a store. If only Mr. Doubleday could have foreseen the unintended uses of his precious bat!

The year 2012 was the 50th anniversary of Rachel Carson’s book, “Silent Spring.”

The environmental movement that sprang forth has learned to use our environmental laws as a bat against agriculture, well beyond what Congress has intended. If only Ms. Carson knew…..

The growth of the environmental movement has been nothing short of extraordinary. Many of the leaders of these movements are “children of the 60s,” who figured out that protest alone wouldn’t enact change; you have to be on the inside.

A Growing Movement

12

vironmental groups and government agencies have entered into a sue-and-settle strategy, where a group sues an agency and the agency agrees to settle the suit rather than go to court.

The result is usually very favorable to the environmental group, or the settlement grants an agency the authority it wished it had but hadn’t been granted by Congress.

The result is a court decision that is now the “law of the land,” and can change how environmental statutes are interpreted and implemented.

The environmental movement has been very successful in changing the way agriculture is perceived, and it’s a shame.

The Next Generation

“ ”

“Silent Spring” is credited as being the birth of the modern environmental movement. While there have been numerous studies that either support or denounce Ms. Carson’s claims, the book ignited debates that rage today. Ms. Carson has been equally labeled a revolutionary and an alarmist, but what the book did was raise awareness. That awareness led to better science, better research and development, and, essentially, a process that ensures we are using the safest, most effective pest management products available.

Pesticides today are thoroughly tested and evaluated, not only for human effects, but their effect on the environment as a whole. Used for their intended purpose, at approved rates, our pest management products today are routinely tested, heavily regulated and are the safest products anywhere in the world.

Birth of a Movement

These groups raised money, got involved in political campaigns, selected causes and worked their way into the decision-making process. Many groups advocate for a specific cause, while others have a broad base that is involved in a wide range of environmental activities.

These groups that spread from grassroots have been fertilized with massive amounts of money and cultivated with po-

Farmers have always been the greatest stewards and conservationists of our natural resources.

litical power. Left unpruned, the groups have grown more powerful and have branched out, reaching some of the highest levels of government.

The environmental movement today is much more sophisticated and complex than those of Rachel Carson’s time. “Nature Lover” has largely been replaced by “Environmental Activists,” who employ a ‘win-at-all-costs’ strategy to affect change.

Even as the movement began to influence the politics of the environment, it has become much more inclined to use the court system.

Through ‘citizen suit’ provisions included in virtually all environmental statutes, these groups have been able to bring environmental lawsuits over any number of issues. If they win, they have set precedent and can change the interpretation of law beyond what Congress had intended. In many cases, especially now, enAll Grown Up

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

Farmers have always been the greatest stewards and conservationists of our natural resources. Farmers have been able to adopt new technologies and management practices that have greatly increased production on fewer acres, all while implementing best management practices to reduce soil erosion and increase wildlife habitat.

The next generation of farmers will continue to benefit from the previous generation’s knowledge and expertise, but will also be able to employ the next generation’s technological advances that will enhance our ability to feed the world and reduce our environmental footprint. The next generation of farmers will not only find it necessary to adopt new production techniques, but must also prepare to tell their story of not just how we farm but why we farm the way we do.

The modern environmental movement sprang from a silent spring; our farmers and producers cannot afford to be silent.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

State Resolutions Meeting The State Resolutions Committee met in November at the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Building in Jackson. Each year, committee members issue a report on county resolutions to the House of Delegates for their consideration at state convention.

Resolutions approved at state convention become Farm Bureau’s official policy.

Tom Rosenblatt, president of Wilkinson County Farm Bureau, served as committee chair.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

13

Bright Future for Agriculture

By Glynda Phillips

14

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

House Ag Committee Chair Preston Sullivan well understands the challenges Mississippi farmers face each year. He grew up on a farm, and over the years, he has built a successful farming operation near Okolona in Chickasaw County. Rep. Sullivan runs Angus-based mama cows and has timberland and row crops on land that has been in his family since the 1860s. His brother Michael, state executive director of the USDA Farm Service Agency, farms adjoining land.

This is Rep. Sullivan’s ninth year in the Legislature. He asked to serve on the House Agriculture Committee many years ago and was appointed last year to serve as the committee’s chair.

In the past, he served for one term as a county supervisor.

“I have been given so much in my life that I wanted to give something back,” he said, explaining his interest in politics. “As chairman of the House Ag Committee, I am in a good position to help state farmers, and I enjoy that. I see so many opportunities ahead for Mississippi agriculture.

“It is estimated that the world’s population will grow by about two billion people in the next 40 years, and I think we need to be poised to take advantage of that,” he said. “Agriculture is a very efficient and productive industry, but we need to make sure that it continues to grow and strengthen.”

Rep. Sullivan says Mississippi leaders are considering hiring an agricultural developer to surface ways of adding value to products that are already being produced here. He considers this a very positive move.

“We need to continue to build on what we already have in Mississippi,” he said. “I see bright things ahead for agriculture. We just need to promote the industry more. ” This year in the Mississippi Legislature, Rep. Sullivan says that immigration and overregulation of agriculture will be key issues of interest to farmers. He says agriculture also needs more fair trade rather than more free trade, and this will be an important issue.

“We are seeing things that we fought for over the course of many years finally coming to fruition, like Senate Bill 2439, which provides limited liability to farmers engaged in agritourism operations,” he said. “We worked hard to get a good agritourism bill passed, and we were successful in 2012.

“I know that if we continue to speak with one voice in support of issues of importance to Mississippi farmers, we will get the things we need to succeed.”

Year Ahead

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

Rep. Sullivan and longtime employee Marvin Williams

Rep. Sullivan says he has enjoyed working with Farm Bureau and feels that it is the pulse of what is going on not only within the farming community but quite often within the state as well.

“Farm Bureau tells the truth,” he said. “I don’t ever have to worry about anything Samantha and her volunteer leaders tell me.”

Rep. Sullivan was busy in 2012. He attended several national ag conferences as well as state budget hearings in Jackson. At the time of our interview, he was planning to return to Jackson in November to finalize the 2014 state budget.

“State economists say things are flat right now but that we are ahead of projections. I think this is hopeful,” he said. “I believe that things will become more stable as the year progresses.”

Rep. Sullivan says he looks forward to a productive legislative session and invites you to get involved in the process. He says he hopes to see you in Jackson.

Rep. Sullivan, who represents District 22, says any success he has enjoyed in his life can be attributed to the support he has received from his family, especially his wife Linda.

“Linda and I met in the second grade and went steady in high school. We’ve been married for 44 years,” he said. “She was with me when cows were 10 cents a pound, and I am with her when they are $1 a pound. She has always been my partner.”

The Sullivans have two sons, Heath and Justin, and five grandkids.

Rep. Sullivan, who has farmed for 45 years, says he also wants to recognize Marvin Williams, a longtime employee, for his loyalty and hard work on the farm.

Rep. Sullivan has been a Farm Bureau member for 45 years.

Thank You

15

Solve the

?

Mystery W

hich rural Oktibbeha County community, located 10 miles south of Starkville, is named for a Native American word that means prairie? Read the clues and make your guess.

Our mystery community was initially populated by a large settlement of Native Americans known as the Mississippi Choctaw Agency. Pioneers settled the area in the early 1830s. Those first farmers grew row crops, but beginning in 1913, dairies were brought into the area.

At its all-time high, Oktibbeha County, once known as the Dairy Center of the South, boasted 115 Grade A dairies and 800 Grade C dairies. The Grade C dairies included small family farms that would put only a single can of milk on the road to be picked up by a processing facility. In 1927, Eagle Brand with Borden had a processing 16

plant in nearby Starkville.

Most of the dairies are closed now, but you can still see barns and silos along the road that is named for this small rural community.

Name this community.

In our mystery community, you will find a remnant of the old Robinson Road that once stretched from Columbus to Jackson. “You have probably seen the old Robinson Road as you traveled the Natchez Trace Parkway near Jackson,� said Warren Oakley, who owned the now-closed Oak Ayr Dairy, once one of the largest dairies in the area. Oakley grew up in our mystery community.

Near our mystery community, you will find the historic Bethesda Historic Sites

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

Baptist Church; the now-closed Gentry’s Store, established in 1932 and, until recent years, very important to local farm families; and several historic homes, including Meadow Woods and The Cedars. The old Vernon Church and School building is now used as a meeting place for the local community club.

The community club has not missed a monthly meeting in its 85-year history. Established in 1927 by the Mississippi State University Extension Service as a means of getting information out to farmers and their wives, it is the oldest community club in the state.

Each year, the local garden club (established in 1923) holds a fundraiser, where Brunswick Stew is cooked and an old timey Country Store is offered as well as other activities for both kids and adults. The event always attracts large crowds and the proceeds go to various community projects.

The water association and the volunteer fire department continue to make our mystery town strong. Oakley helped to establish the volunteer fire department using grant money, and it has since received donations, grants and Country Store funds to remain a vital part of the community.

Oakley says he is very proud of it Today, the community and surrounding area are home to business people; people who work at Mississippi State University; and retired folks.

The community is growing as people move back to the country to live.

Name this town.

Thanks to Warren and Frances Oakley for helping with this article.

Mail guesses to Solve the Mystery, Mississippi Farm Country, P. O. Box 1972, Jackson, MS 39215. You may also email your guesses to FarmCountry@MSFB.org. Please remember to include your name and address on the entry.

Visit our Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Web site at www.msfb.org.

When all correct guesses have been received, we will randomly draw 20 names. These 20 names will receive a prize and will be placed in the hat twice.

At the end of the year, a winner will be drawn from all correct submissions. The winner will receive a Weekend Bed and Breakfast Trip, courtesy of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation.

Families may submit only one entry.

Federation staff members and their families are ineligible to participate in this contest.

The deadline for submitting your entry is Jan. 31.

Correct Guesses

The correct answer for the November/December Solve the Mystery is Amory.

November/December

Bed and Breakfast Winner James Turner of Pontotoc County is the winner of the Weekend Bed and Breakfast Trip for 2012.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

COUNSEL’S CORNER

Weep for Storytelling

By Sam E. Scott, MFBF General Counsel

O

One attribute of great trial lawyers is their ability to tell their client’s story in presenting the case in a convincing and understandable way, as Daniel Webster did in the United States Supreme Court when speaking for his underdog client Dartmouth College. He turned the tables by saying, “Sirs, she is a small college, but there are those who love her.” Clarence Darrow, pleading for the lives of Leopold and Loeb in what was called the crime of the century, said, “I am pleading for life, understanding, charity, kindness and the infinite mercy that considers them all. I am pleading that we overcome cruelty with kindness and hatred with love.” They knew how to tie together legal principles and facts with simple universal human values to reach the heart of the matter.

How did they develop such skills? Probably, it began by hearing stories told throughout their lives. The value of storytelling in our society has been immense. Otherwise, we would not have many of our great masterpieces, such as the Bible, the “Iliad and the Odyssey,” “Beowulf,” and innumerable others that survived for centuries through oral tradition. This is becoming a lost art – and certainly it is a great art – in schools, churches, courtrooms, country stores, living rooms and around campfires.

I watch my youngest grandchildren being mesmerized by popular television programs that star teenagers. Sometimes, I watch along with them to discern what the moral of the story is, but I come away puzzled. Yet they will also sit for an hour or more playing old-fashioned guessing games with Granddad.

The TV programs are rife with artificial laughter but lacking in a meaningful conclusion, in contrast to most of the great old stories. Am I just being an old curmudgeon (again) or is it like the World War I song, “How You Gonna Keep ‘Em Down on the Farm after They’ve Seen Paree?” Are stories still told or read in homes, or does the television become a pacifier of sorts?

Many of the old stories center around universal values and speak to us across the ages. As Faulkner described them in accepting the Nobel Prize: “The old verities and truths of the heart, the universal truths lacking which any story is ephemeral and doomed - love and honor and pity and pride and compassion and sacrifice.”

18

Such universal truths do not go out of date, but they are at risk of being marginalized. Storytelling can help preserve them.

Recently, I read the 1910 novel that inspired Andrew Lloyd Webber’s famous “Phantom of the Opera.” In it, two youngsters growing up in rural France would go down a country road or lane and knock on the front door of houses. When the door opened, they would ask if there was a story they could hear. Most often, they were asked in, told a good story and given cookies or cake.

What does it tell us that today such would be unimaginable for many reasons, not the least of which would be the safety of the children or whether there are adults with a story to tell?

Bookstores closing, magazines getting thinner, newspapers no longer being dailies, people staring at screens instead of talking or writing letters are all results of the Information Age. A wise scholar wrote that there is a definite path to wisdom. It begins with information, then learning, then knowledge, but between knowledge and wisdom, lies the barrier of suffering and without suffering there can be no wisdom. The Book of Job would be a main authority to support that statement.

The greatest teacher of all time taught by telling simple stories called parables. Think of how many of the old stories told to us as children dealt with suffering of one kind or another. Scott Peck’s “The Road Less Traveled” begins with the simple truth: Life is difficult. There can be no wisdom without realizing that bad things happen to good people every day. Often, they are cruel and unfair, sometimes terrible, but how they are survived, endured or overcome are vital lessons for adults as well as children, and should never be forgotten. We live in an amazing world which still has room and a dire need for ancient wisdom.

I try not to think of a family reunion where everyone sits around watching their Blackberry or iPhone. Tell me a story! “Once upon a time …”

Sam E. Scott is general counsel for Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation and practices law in the Law Firm of Samuel E. Scott, PLLC, in Jackson. The foregoing information is general in nature and is not intended as nor should be considered specific legal advice, nor to be considered as MFBF’s position or opinion.

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

Simpson County Farm Bureau Recognized

Simpson County Farm Bureau was among 25 county Farm Bureaus in 17 states recognized by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) for innovative program ideas in this year’s County Activities of Excellence (CAE) awards program. The winners will be highlighted during the AFBF’s 94th Annual Meeting, Jan. 13-16, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Simpson County’s program was entitled, “5th Graders: Farmers for Today, Ag Leaders for Tomorrow.”

The CAE program acknowledges and shares successful county Farm Bureau programs and activities. The awards also are based on county Farm Bureau membership. The CAE focuses on Farm Bureau’s priority issues in the following areas: Education and Ag Promotion; Member Services; Public Relations and Information; Leadership Development; and Policy Implementation.

“Winners will display their programs at the AFBF Annual Meeting trade show, allowing Farm Bureau members from

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

across the country to learn about successful programs and activities that promote agriculture within farming communities,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman.

Simpson County Farm Bureau, which was spotlighted in the July/August 2012 issue of Mississippi Farm Country magazine, has received many awards and accolades through the years for its outstanding work on behalf of Farm Bureau and Mississippi agriculture. County volunteer leaders believe strongly in the total Farm Bureau program, but they are especially aware that everything begins with the youth.

Pictured is a poster illustrating the many programs and activities with which the county is involved. The poster is on display at the county office. A special thanks to Simpson County Women’s Chair Tammy Layton for the photo. Carol King is the county president, and Ann Layton is the county women’s committee vice chair.

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

19

MEMBER BENEFITS SPOTLIGHT

Members save big dollars with Member Benefits

By Greg Gibson, MFBF Member Services Director I have always been someone who wants the best value for my money. I would rather pay a little more for something that will last longer or hold up better than to buy something cheap and have to replace it right away. I also like to find deals that save me money on things that I’m going to be using anyway. My Farm Bureau membership does that for me in abundance.

Using my Choice Hotels discount, I saved nearly $250 in 2012! That will pay for eight years of membership dues in Farm Bureau. And that’s just one of the benefits available.

My story is far from unusual.

On just the member benefits that we can track, Farm Bureau members in Mississippi saved over $900,000 in 2012. Here’s a breakdown of the savings that our members experienced in the past year: Ford $807,500 Choice Hotels $ 66,300 ADT $ 11,984 Wyndham Hotels $ 10,318 Cimarron Mortgage $ 9,600 Medical Alert $ 2,471 Grainger $ 1,483 TOTAL

$909,656

As you can see, using your Farm Bureau membership discount numbers can save you a lot of cash. We partner with businesses that provide products and services that our members use.

There are also many benefits that save members money that we can’t track, such as our prescription discounts and the discounts 20

Members also have an opportunity to benefit from a wide variety of loan products and services offered by Cimarron, which is located in the Farm Bureau headquarters building in Jackson. This savings is just one more way the Mississippi Farm Secure Your Home with Bureau Federation is adding an ADT Security System Keeping your home secure value to your Farm Bureau and your family safe is probably membership.

For more information about one of the most pressing conthese or any of the other member cerns for any benefits offered by Farm Bureau, family. Let Farm contact your county Farm BuBureau help you reau office or call Dedra Luke in with your peace the state office at 601-977-4169. of mind by getting a discount on a home security system from Southern Security Services. Guy Doty and his professional staff will install a security system in your home at no charge when you sign a 36-month monitoring contract.

A basic hard-wired alarm system will include: on Dell computers. The Mossy Oak discounts and the Clear Value Hearing discounts are also valuable to the member, but we don’t get a report on how many of you take advantage of them.

• Three contacted doors • One inside siren • One motion detector • One control panel with a backup battery • One keypad • One smoke/heat detector • 90-day warranty on system

The monthly cost to Farm Bureau members is only $30.99 plus tax.

Save $150 off Closing Costs Mortgage rates are at an alltime low, and if you need a new mortgage or want to refinance your present mortgage, then Cimarron Mortgage has a deal for you. As a Farm Bureau member, you can now save $150 off closing costs when you finance your home mortgage through Cimarron Mortgage Company, a Mississippi-based national lender.

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

On Sept. 5, 2012, Table 100 held its first Farm to Table 100 event celebrating local Mississippi farmers. Pictured presenting a check for $2,000 to Greg Gibson with the Farm Families of Mississippi Ag Promotion Campaign are the founders of EAT HERE BRANDS LLC, Ned Lidvall, Mike Stack, Bill Latham and Al Roberts, along with Executive Chef Mike Roemhild, Chef de Cuisine Alex Eaton and managers Mary Allen Bennett and Paul Ruiter.

Restaurant Supports Local Farmers

The local food movement sweeping the nation definitely has a champion in Table 100 restaurant in Flowood. Table 100 offers Euro-American bistro fare with an emphasis on fresh, locally grown food.

Table 100 is the newest offering from Bill Latham and Al Roberts, the same men who brought us Scrooges, Amerigo, CHAR, Babalu and Five Guys Burgers. Latham and Roberts are committed to working with local farmers to supply the needs of this unique new dining experience, where you can find everything from steak, seafood and pasta dishes to specialty burgers, sandwiches and desserts. The restaurant is known for its extensive wine selection and its full bar and cocktail area.

“When we were getting started, we visited farmers markets in and around the Jackson area and put together a list of potential farmers 22

to supply the restaurant,” said Alex Eaton, Table 100 Chef de Cuisine. “We also spoke to farmers at a high tunnel event in Crystal Springs and talked to the owners of Wilson’s Meathouse Inc. in Crystal Springs.

“We narrowed our list of suppliers down to those farmers willing to work with us and bring their products to us. We are very pleased,” he said. “I wish we had more sources of cage-free chicken and pork, but those products must be produced locally on a large scale and on a consistent basis, and that is simply not being done right now.

“I think it is coming, but we just don’t have it yet.”

Farms that supply Table 100 include Cooper Farms and Vineyard in Morton; the Old Fannin Road Farmers Market; Creyer Farms in Lena; Bobkat Farms in Florence; Two Run Farm in Vaughn; Delta Grind in Water Valley; and Mississippi Bees in Flora.

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

Commissioner of Agriculture Cindy Hyde-Smith and former Commissioner of Agriculture Lester Spell attended the event.

Farm Families of Mississippi had a booth.

The appetizers featured local food.

Live music was enjoyed.

On Sept. 5, 2012, Table 100 held its first-ever Farm to Table 100 event to celebrate local farmers and their bounty. Approximately 172 people attended, including Table 100 owners, farmers and many other guests. Ag Commissioner Cindy Hyde Smith and former Ag Commissioner Lester Spell were in attendance, and Lt. Governor Tate Reeves and his wife visited with guests during the meet and greet upon the guests’ arrival. Also in attendance were Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation President Randy Knight, North Mississippi Vice President Donald Gant, Central Mississippi Vice President Ted Kendall, and South Mississippi Vice President Reggie Magee.

The event included a reception with live music as well as appetizers and a three-course meal featuring local food. A portion of the proceeds from this very successful event was donated to the Farm Families of Mississippi Ag Promotion Campaign.

“The restaurant plans to hold a Farm to Table 100 event twice a year, at the beginning of the planting and harvest seasons,” said Table 100 Sales Manager Mary Allen Bennett.

Farm to Table Event

An interesting fact about Table 100 is that it is a chef-driven restaurant, with four chefs, including Executive Chef Mike Roemhild of Germany, who brings to the restaurant many years of experience with restaurants and exotic dishes from around the world.

Restaurant Facts

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

Another great fact is that the restaurant offers an actual Table 100 built by master craftsman Greg Harkins of Vaughn. The table top is made of bodock wood salvaged after Hurricane Katrina and supplied by an unknown donor. It is some of the same wood Greg used to build a chair for former President George W. Bush. The legs are made of walnut, salvaged from the town of Eden after Katrina, and the six chairs are crafted from hickory.

A final important fact is that the restaurant is a great location for banquets, events and meetings, with over 4,900 square feet of private dining options. For more information, call (601) 9332720.

Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation would like to thank Table 100 for supporting Mississippi farmers and the Farm Families of Mississippi Ag Promotion Campaign.

When you visit this exciting new restaurant, make a point of telling the people who work there how much you appreciate their commitment to Mississippi agriculture.

Table 100 is located at 100 Ridge Way next door to Lowes’ and Holiday Inn Express near Dogwood Festival Marketplace on Highway 25 in Flowood. The atmosphere is casual, turn-of-the century New Orleans, and normal business hours are MondaySunday, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

You may call for reservations at (601) 420-4202 or visit the Web site at www.tableonehundred.com.

Thanks, Table 100!

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

23

Coming Home to Farm

By Glynda Phillips

Alonzo and Peggy Miller moved back to Mississippi from Texas four years ago so they could farm. Four generations of Alonzo’s family have been Winston County farmers.

“I guess I saw how my father and my grandfather were living, their values and the type of work ethic they possessed, and I wanted that, too. I was raised on a farm, and I missed it,” he said. “Peggy and I also wanted to grow our own food. We weren’t happy with what we were finding in the grocery store in terms of quality and price.

“It was a lifestyle decision, but it was also about our food,” he said. “I wanted to be able to grow what my ancestors had grown, using the better technology that we have today.”

Alonzo was teaching school in Dallas when he began having long phone conversations with his brother and father about farming. They told him about their membership in the Winston County Self Help Cooperative and how it had benefitted them. He learned that the cooperative works hard to help small and limited resource farmers succeed, supporting their efforts every step of the way.

Alonzo and Peggy purchased 72 acres to use as farmland. They both signed up with the Winston County Self Help Cooperative. Six months later, they moved home. With the assistance of cost-share funding from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Alonzo and Peggy initially fenced in 15 acres to receive their cows. They now have all 72 acres fenced.

Recently, the Millers received additional funding through the NRCS to build three ponds on their farm to be used as livestock watering sources. Alonzo is in the process of completing cross-fencing in the pastures.

In 2001, the Winston County Self Help Cooperative submitted a proposal to Heifer Project International. The proposal was funded in 2002. The co-op used the funds to purchase 40 bred heifers. Five heifers were given to each of eight members, who signed a Letter of Agreement to maintain the health of the animals as well as their membership in the co-op. Each farmer agreed to give back five heifers to other members.

Winston County Self Help Cooperative members are required to Heifer Project

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

In addition to beef production, members of the Winston County Self Help Cooperative learn how to grow and market fruits and vegetables. The Millers grow a little over two acres of peas, beans, tomatoes, squash, okra, corn, cucumbers, peppers and watermelons in the summer months and turnips, collards, mustard, broccoli and cabbage in the fall. They sell at the local farmers market, through grocery stores and to people who come out to their farm.

At the time of this interview, area farmers were preparing to attend a November seminar to learn about opportunities to supply vegetables and meat to area restaurants and schools.

Alonzo and Peggy grow as naturally as possible. They plant without commercial fertilizer and use organic and natural ways of keeping pests off their crops. The Natural Resources Conservation Service, MSU Extension Service and Winston County Self Help Cooperative help them with this process.

The Millers are also exploring the possibility of getting a high tunnel greenhouse to extend their growing season each year.

Peggy, who writes for the Winston County Self Help Cooperative’s membership newsletter, points out that she grew up in Dallas, Texas, and had zero prior experience with farming. The co-op has helped introduce her to farming and has taught her how to can and freeze what the farm produces. The Millers have also learned how to cook foods so that nutrients are not lost.

Growing Vegetables

maintain their memberships for one year before they can receive animals. Members must also attend 75 percent of the meetings each year.

“These meetings consistently bring in people who teach us how to farm successfully,” Alonzo said. “The programs give us help with our cows, our fruits and vegetables, and our timber. The mission of the Winston County Self Help Cooperative is to Save Rural America, and we really mean that.”

The Natural Resources Conservation Service makes an important contribution to the program as does the Mississippi State University (MSU) Extension Service.

“We get excellent support from both of these groups and from many other groups involved in agriculture. We enjoy valuable networking opportunities,” Alonzo said. “Our president, Frank Taylor, is such a visionary. I have told him many times that I was totally shocked to see how he had put something like this together for the people of this area. And it’s available to anyone who wants to farm.

“Frank’s enthusiasm is contagious,” he added. “He is so passionate about this, and he is consistently steering the course. Other counties are setting up similar programs, and the concept is spreading into Alabama.”

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

Ten years, ago, the Winston County Self Help Cooperative numbered 31 adult members. Today, it consists of 75 adults and 110 youth.

In addition to the newsletter, the co-op has a radio program and market bulletin. The Winston County Self Help Cooperative has won numerous local, state and national awards.

For more information, contact Frank Taylor at (601) 291-2704 or fltaylor@bellsouth.net. You can also visit the Web site at www.wcshc.com.

For More Information

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

25

Pictured, from left, are North Mississippi Vice President Donald Gant, Bolivar County Farm Bureau Women’s Chair Lil Gant and Bolivar County Farm Bureau President Jeffrey Fioranelli.

Farm Bureau Spotlight

Bolivar County

By Glynda Phillips

If you could use just two words to describe Bolivar County Farm Bureau, those two words would be innovative and visionary. Some of the most forward-thinking, creative leaders in state agriculture have been, and still are, members of the Bolivar County Farm Bureau.

It should come as no surprise to learn that many of their programs have been ahead of the curve, especially in the areas of leadership development and agricultural promotion.

Bolivar County Farm Bureau sets the bar high.

Ag Leaders of Tomorrow Bolivar County Farm Bureau has always given its Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Program a special emphasis. The program currently boasts 50-55 members.

For over a decade, Bolivar County Farm Bureau leaders have encouraged these young men and women to serve on the board of directors.

Many of them have become officers, serving as YF&R chair then vice president and president of the board. A number of Bolivar County young farmers have served on the YF&R State Committee, and some have chaired the committee.

26

Several years ago, Farm Bureau leaders in Bolivar County and DeSoto County recognized the need to hold an annual district Young Farmers & Ranchers meeting. The meeting became an instant success, bringing in young farmers from across the region for a day of learning and fellowship.

This past year, the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Region 1 YF&R Meeting expanded to include young farmers from Region 3. The meeting is now known as the MFBF Delta Area Young Farmer Leadership Meeting.

Each year, Bolivar County holds a popular YF&R social, which was held this year in conjunction with the district meeting.

Rice Luncheon In the area of ag promotion, Bolivar County Farm Bureau was the original founder of the Delta Rice Luncheon. The late Nona Watson, who served as federation secretary for Bolivar County Farm Bureau for many years, began the luncheon in the 1980s. Back then, it was held at the Women’s Club in downtown Cleveland. As the luncheon grew in popularity, it was relocated to larger venues, eventually moving to the Walter Sillers Auditorium on the campus of Delta State University.

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

The Delta Rice Luncheon dispersed for a few years then started back again, with Farm Bureau and the Mississippi State University Extension Service organizing and hosting it each year. The luncheon has enjoyed as many as 2,000 guests.

The Delta Rice Luncheon is always held in September because September is National Rice Month. The luncheon features all types of rice dishes, from dessert to main dish. Even the arrangements on the tables are made using rice.

Award-Winning Programs Bolivar County Farm Bureau has been named the outstanding county program in Region 1 many times and has also received the President's Award as the overall outstanding program in the state. The women’s program has been honored many times as the outstanding women’s program in Region 1.

Bolivar County Farm Bureau has produced three YF&R State Achievement Award winners. Board member Donald Gant serves as Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) North Mississippi Vice President. Board member Bill Ryan Tabb served on the MFBF Board of Directors. Board members Kenneth Hood and Ed Hester were each named Southeastern Farmer of the Year for the Sunbelt Ag Expo. Donald Gant was named Mississippi Farmer of the Year for the Sunbelt Ag Expo.

Bolivar County Farm Bureau has had a chair for cotton and rice national commodity groups.

Jeffrey Fioranelli currently serves as president of the Bolivar County Farm Bureau Board of Directors.

Learning from Each Other “All of our county Farm Bureaus could learn from each other,” Gant said. “Each county has its own unique strengths. Some counties have excellent commodity displays in their offices. Others hold ag tours that teach people about the major commodities grown in their areas of the state. Simpson County Farm Bureau has a Farmer Appreciation Day Luncheon each year, while Adams County Farm Bureau holds an Adams County Farm Camp for kids each summer.

“Bolivar County has always encouraged young farmers to become active in the total program. These young men and women have always been very willing to do so and to work hard,” he said. “I’m sure that other counties would find this to be true of their own young farmer members. You just need to invite them on board.”

“Today, the average person is at least two generations removed from the farm,” said Fioranelli. “It would seem to me that we should welcome on board every person who is willing to work hard to help us promote agriculture.”

Bolivar County Farm Bureau holds a big annual meeting each year, and their monthly board meetings are always well attended. Members also participate in all state events, including Ag Day at the Capitol and the Washington D.C. trips.

Bolivar County Farm Bureau Women’s Chair Lil Gant attends the State Women’s Leadership Conference and summer Ag in the Classroom workshops each year. This year, she also participated in the Women’s Ag Tour of North Mississippi. Lil says she and her women work hard to promote agriculture.

“We give out packets to teachers to use with their lessons. We also hand out related activity sheets. We always help with Natural Resources Day, which targets fifth-graders,” she said. “This year, school kids visited a cotton field in Choctaw. They played in a boll buggy and picked cotton to take home with them.

“It is very important that we educate our children,” she added. “Some of them don’t know where their food comes from. They think it comes from the grocery store.”

Bolivar County Farm Bureau leaders say they would not have a strong program without the help of their regional manager.

“The support we receive from Region 1 Regional Manager Justin FerJANUARY/FEBRUARY

A scene from the 2011 Delta Rice Lunch

guson is exceptional,” Fioranelli said. “Justin supports our programs and efforts, but he goes beyond that. We could not do all that we do each year without him.

“We have also had great support from our county and state Farm Bureau staffs, MFBF President Randy Knight, MFBF Northern Region Vice President Donald Gant and Region 1 Women’s Chair Deniese Swindoll.”

Interesting Facts Founded in 1936, Bolivar County Farm Bureau has never had the same president twice. In 1945, Bolivar County Farm Bureau boasted the largest county membership in the nation, with 7,974 members. In 1947, the first female member of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors came from Bolivar County. Back in those early years, Bolivar County Farm Bureau regularly submitted the most resolutions of any other county Farm Bureau.

The county boasts 402,000 acres of farmland and 520 farmers. Approximately 222 farmers are members of Bolivar County Farm Bureau.

Agriculture is responsible for some 2,000 area jobs, with a direct impact of $145 million each year on the county’s economy.

The Mississippi River is a tremendous asset to Bolivar County. Area farmers as well as quite a few farmers from around the state ship their products out of the Rosedale-Bolivar County Port, which is among the fastestgrowing ports on the Inland Waterway System.

Board Members Bolivar County Farm Bureau board members include: Jeffrey Fioranelli, president; Brig Aylward, vice president; Kirk Satterfield, vice president; Ronnie Aguzzi, YMD (advisory); Nathan Buehring, MCES (advisory); Charles Danna, YF&R chair; Justin Ferguson, MFBF; Lil Gant, women’s chair; Laura Giaccaglia, MCES (advisory); Judson Thigpen III, BcCC (advisory); Tim Walker, MCES (YF, advisory); Brad Barr, Candy Davis, Delbert Dean, Gary Fioranelli, John Henry, Henry Earl Kline, Bond Murphy, Michael Aguzzi, Johnny Brister, Marty Chenault, Joseph Fioranelli, Bill Griffith, John Howarth Jr., Jason Meyer, Michael Rocconi, Lamar Andrews, Judd Davis, Nat McKnight, Gary Pongetti, Rance Richard, Bill Ryan Tabb, Hall Warlick, Donald Gant, Curtis Hood, Kenneth Hood, Jim Meyer, Travis Satterfield, Ed Hester, Robert C. Naron Sr. and Joe Earl Watford.

Dan Roach is county membership secretary. Other secretaries include Robben Roberts, Rachel Tate and Linda Gail Newton.

Liberty Cash Jr. is agency manager. Agents are Chuck Upchurch, Al Cummins, Brett Marchant and Matt Sledge.

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

27

2012 Women’s Ag Tour

The two-day biannual Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Women’s Ag Tour began with a visit to the sweet potato processing facilities of Edmondson Farms, N & W Farms and Clark Sweet Potato Sorting Shed in Vardaman. The women also toured Sweet Potato Sweets bakery and enjoyed lunch at the local community center. That afternoon, the group visited an Amish farming community then stopped by St Bethany Fresh, a hydroponic tomato operation near Pontotoc. The final stop was Holley Farm, a fun, educational agritourism facility at Tremont. The next day, the

28

women visited Beans Ferry Pottery in Fulton then Brown Dairy, a small dairy that bottles its own milk, near Oxford. The women enjoyed lunch at Taylor Grocery and learned how to make sorghum syrup from Region 2 Regional Manager Terry Norwood.

The group toured Rowan Oak, William Faulkner’s home in Oxford, and visited Coley and Jody Bailey’s farm in Coffeeville, where they watched a cotton harvest. The State Women’s Committee would like to thank everyone who helped with this very successful tour.

Plans are in the works for an ag tour in 2014, so stay tuned.

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

29

The

Fruits of His Labor

By Glynda Phillips

If ever you imagined that a connection exists between a farmer’s heart and the harvest he reaps each year (provided everything else works in his favor), the watermelon grown by Herbert Archie of Fannin is clear evidence.

Herbert’s heart is big, and the watermelon he grew this year (pictured here) is even bigger.

When Herbert carried the watermelon to the Rankin County Co-op in Brandon, he discovered that it weighed 133 pounds, 12 ounces, and was 33 inches long. Herbert said he and his family planned to eat a portion of it and give the rest away.

Large Garden

Herbert grows a garden each year because he enjoys working the land and possesses a fine talent for it. But he also enjoys giving away the fruits of his labor to relatives, friends and neighbors.

Each year, he plants eight hills of watermelons. This year, he put in an extra hill. The watermelon pictured here came from that extra planting.

From planting to harvest, Herbert says

it takes about 100 days to grow a watermelon. This large melon grew for just a bit longer than normal, but not much. Herbert also harvested two 80pound watermelons that he had already cut (and that he felt he had cut too early) by the time of my visit.

Herbert grows the Jubilee variety.

His garden produced over 100 watermelons this season.

In addition to watermelons, he grows hot peppers, bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, collards, mustard and turnips. He says he grows “as near to organic” as possible. He doesn’t use commercial fertilizer; he uses organic fish fertilizer and composted grass and leaves. He says he learned how to grow produce through trial and error and because the good Lord blessed him with some wisdom and knowledge about such things.

“If you do things properly, it doesn’t take much to grow crops like these,” he said. “I mainly just pay at-

tention, do the necessary work and let them do their thing.”

Herbert grows tomatoes each year because he loves tomato gravy. He says he could eat rice and tomato gravy every morning for breakfast and be perfectly happy.

“It gives me strength,” he said.

It could be said that other people are strengthened by the gifts of fruits and vegetables given them by Herbert Archie each and every year.

Herbert and his wife Delores are lifelong members of their community, members of Farm Bureau since 1971 and active members of Pilgrim Branch Missionary Baptist Church, where he serves as a deacon. He served as Sunday School Superintendent for 40 years.

The Archies have four children, Herbert Jr., Phillip, Christopher and Cydney.

Herbert farms land that has been in his family for many years.

Harrison County Farm Bureau recently sent kindergarten students from Woolmarket Elementary School to BlueJack Ridge Ranch near Poplarville. BlueJack Ridge Ranch entertains kids while teaching them all about Mississippi agriculture. Photo by Kristi Harris

T

Regulations and Adequate Land Top Concerns

he 2012 American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Survey shows that a total of 21 percent of young farmers surveyed ranked burdensome government regulations and “red tape” as a top concern. An additional 21 percent cited securing adequate land to grow crops and raise livestock as their top challenge today.

“Most young farmers and ranchers would like to stay on the farm or ranch their entire lives,” said Glen Cope, chair of the AFBF YF&R Committee and a beef cattle producer from Missouri. “One of the biggest challenges many of us has faced is getting enough capital to start farming. And then, once we are established, regulatory costs can be the wildcard that determines whether we can be successful enough to stay on the land.”

Other issues ranked as top concerns included economic challenges, particularly profitability, 11 percent; availability of farm labor and related regulations, 8 percent; and willingness of parents to turn over the reins of the farm or ranch, 7 percent.

When asked to name the top three steps the federal government should take to help young farmers and ranchers, cutting government spending was the number-one response, with 20 percent listing this as most important.

Sixteen percent of those surveyed said the government should provide financial help to beginning farmers, while 12 percent indicated reforming environmental regulations should be first on the list.

“Cutting government spending will help reduce the nation’s mammoth government 32

debt,” said Cope. “However, providing assistance to help beginning farmers get started in food production would be money well spent. And reforming burdensome environmental regulations will be good for all of agriculture and America.”

The 20th annual YF&R survey revealed that 94 percent of those surveyed are more optimistic about farming and ranching than they were five years ago. Last year, 87 percent of those surveyed said they were more optimistic about farming than they were five years ago.

The 2012 survey also shows 94 percent of the nation’s young farmers and ranchers say they are better off than they were five years ago. In 2011, 90 percent reported being better off.

More than 96 percent considered themselves lifetime farmers, while 98 percent would like to see their children follow in their footsteps. The informal survey reveals that 92 percent believe their children will be able to follow in their footsteps.

The survey shows that America’s young farmers and ranchers are committed environmental stewards, with 61 percent using conservation tillage to protect soil and reduce erosion on their farms.

In addition, computers and the Internet are vital tools for the nation’s young farmers and ranchers, with 93 percent surveyed reporting using a computer in their farming operation. Nearly all of those surveyed, 99 percent, have access to the Internet. Highspeed Internet is used by 79 percent of those surveyed, with 20 percent relying on a satelMISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

lite connection and just over 1 percent turning to dialup.

The popular social media site, Facebook, is used by 79 percent of those surveyed who use the Internet. The most popular use of the Internet in the survey is to gather news and agricultural information, with 82 percent turning to it for that use.

Finally, the survey points out that 71 percent of YF&R members consider communicating with consumers a formal part of their jobs.

“Young farmers and ranchers are becoming more comfortable when it comes to reaching out to consumers to participate in conversations they are having about food,” Cope said. “It’s important that we as farmers continue to explore and use all available tools to connect with consumers, whether that means social media platforms, personal outreach through farm tours, agritourism, farmers markets or some combination,” he said.

The annual YF&R survey reveals that the future of U.S. agriculture is in good hands.

The informal survey of young farmers and ranchers, ages 18-35, was conducted at AFBF’s 2012 YF&R Leadership Conference.

The purpose of Farm Bureau’s YF&R program is to help younger Farm Bureau members learn more about agriculture, network with other farmers and become future leaders in agriculture and Farm Bureau.

For more information about the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation YF&R Program, contact YF&R Coordinator Kirsten Johnson at (601) 977-4277.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

Tomato Gravy ¼ c. oil 1 ¼ T. self-rising flour 1 can whole tomatoes (fresh tomatoes in season) Salt to taste Pepper to taste

Pour oil into skillet. Turn heat to medium.

Sprinkle flour until thick and consistent; brown.

Turn heat to high and add canned whole tomatoes, salt and pepper. Fresh tomatoes in season can be used. Peel and add whole. If large ones, divide.

Dawn Mills Montgomery County

This recipe is 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.

St. Andrew’s Mission in McComb will hold its annual Shuffle to the Chefs on Jan. 24, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the McComb Mill in the Kramertown area of McComb. Tickets are available at the following locations: PJ’s Coffee of McComb (601) 249-2735; Selman’s Jewelers (601) 684-1517; TCBY in McComb (601) 250-0360, Sanders Eye Clinic (601) 684-0220 and at St. Andrew’s Mission at (601) 684-4678.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

33

34

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

JANUARY/FEBRUARY