VOLUME 89 NO. 2
MARCH/APRIL 2013
A Publication of Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation • MSFB.org
MISS ISS IPPI FARM C OUNTRY Volume 89 Number 2 March/April 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 Mike Graves, Ripley Ronald Jones, Holly Springs Bill Ryan Tabb, Cleveland Randle Wright, Vardaman Neal Huskison, Pontotoc Mike Langley, Houston Bobby Moody, Louisville Wanda Hill, Isola James Foy, Canton Fred Stokes, Porterville James Brewer, Shubuta David Boyd, Sandhill Lonnie Fortner, Port Gibson Jeff Mullins, Meadville Mike McCormick, Union Church Lyle Hubbard, Mt. Olive Gerald Moore, Petal J. B. Brown, Perkinston Ken Mallette, Vancleave Betty Mills, Winona Jason Hill, Woodland
CONTENTS
Features 4 YOUNG FARMERS The Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers Program trains agriculture’s future leaders. Come with us as we learn more about this important program.
18 SOLVE
THE MYSTERY This town is the seat of government for Montgomery County. Read the clues and make your guess.
32 STATE CONVENTION Volunteer leaders were honored during the 91st Annual Meeting of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation. Convention coverage is featured inside this issue of our publication.
“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
HONORARY VICE- PRESIDE NTS Louis Breaux 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.
6 Commodity Update: Rice 7 Commodity Update: Swine 16 Counsel’s Corner 20 Member Benefits Spotlight
About the cover This issue takes a look at some of Mississippi’s outstanding agricultural leaders. Read about Scott Cannada, our 2012 Young Farmers & Ranchers State Achievement Award winner, and all of the other exceptional farm leaders, beginning on page 8.
Design: Coopwood Communications, Inc. MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Randy Knight, President Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation
Young Farmers Optimistic about the Future
Spring is finally here, and Mississippi farmers are once again filled with a sense of optimism and hope. As anyone familiar with agriculture well knows, optimism is the mark of a true farmer. Humorist Will Rogers got it exactly right when he said: A farmer has to be an optimist or he wouldn’t still be a farmer. When you farm for a living, there will always be elements that are completely out of your control. The weather is a good example. Some years, we will see all of our hard work ruined by too much rain, not enough rain, high winds or an ill-timed cold snap. One of the things that gets us through the difficult times (second only to our deep and abiding faith in God) is a stubborn sense of optimism. As it was with our parents and grandparents, so it remains with those of us who farm today. It is especially heartening to know that our young farmers feel positive about the industry and their place within it. In an American Farm Bureau Federation survey of young farmers conducted last spring, 94 percent were more optimistic about farming and ranching than they were five years ago. Some 96 percent considered themselves lifetime farmers, while 98 percent said they would like to see their children follow in their footsteps. All of this bodes well for American agriculture. Our Young Farmers When I began serving as your president two years ago, one of my top priorities was to strengthen the Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Program. Farmers starting out in the industry must have access to the tools they need to succeed. In return, our organization and Mississippi agriculture can only benefit from their energy, enthusiasm and ideas. Two years ago, we formed a state YF&R Steering Committee to look at ways we could improve the program. It was agreed that a full-time coordinator should be hired, and we now have someone in that position who is very capable and hardworking. We have also begun offering more media and leadership training opportunities. In addition, this past year, we surfaced a new YF&R contest called Excellence in Agriculture. Participants in this contest don’t have the majority of their income subject to normal production risk, but they do share with our full-time farmers a deep love and
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concern for agriculture. They work hard each year to further the cause of agriculture, and this contest is a way for us to recognize their efforts. This year’s deserving state winners are William and Julie White of Oktibbeha County. We are also proud of Scott Cannada, our State Achievement Award winner for 2012, Corey Williamson, our State Discussion Meet winner for 2012, and Jason Hill, who did a fine job of carrying out his duties as chair of the YF&R State Committee in 2012. You can read all about these outstanding young men and women inside this issue of our membership magazine. For more information about our Young Farmers & Ranchers Program, contact YF&R Coordinator Kirsten Johnson at (601) 977-4277. Farm Bill Update As I’m sure you know by now, in early January, Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) replaced Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) as the top Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee. This move makes it more likely that the new five-year farm bill built by the Senate committee will include more provisions for Southern crops. Sen. Cochran was instrumental in helping to write the 2002 Farm Bill, and through the years, he has proven to be a true advocate for Southern agriculture. We look forward to working with him to assure that all Mississippi producers maintain an adequate safety net in this legislation. I will keep you updated on the 2013 Farm Bill.
Convention Coverage In this issue of our magazine, we feature the volunteer leaders that were honored at state convention in December. These hardworking men and women are the reason Farm Bureau is so successful on so many fronts each year. If you aren’t as involved in your county Farm Bureau program as you think you should be, I encourage you to take the time from your busy schedule to participate. Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation volunteer leaders and staff are dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of all Mississippians. We invite you to join us.
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COMMODITY UPDATE: RICE Patrick Swindoll - MFBF Rice Advisory Committee Chair Justin Ferguson - MFBF Commodity Coordinator for Rice
Rice Powers a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle If you’ve already slacked off on your New Year’s resolution to eat better and get in shape, there’s no better time than now to recommit to a hearthealthy lifestyle. And rice can help. Rice offers a delicious, nutritious base for a multitude of heart-healthy recipes and provides long-lasting fuel for workouts. Nutrient-rich U.S.-grown rice is among the most heart friendly because it is low in calories, has just a Ferguson trace of fat and contains no cholesterol, sodium, saturated or trans fats. Rice also partners well with other heart-healthy foods, such as beans, seafood, vegetables and fruits. To show your heart some TLC, try adding rice to meals and snacks to improve overall heart health. Studies show that rice is the foundation for heart-healthy eating. Brown rice is a 100-percent whole-grain food, while white rice is enriched with B vitamins, including folic acid, which has been shown to help maintain a healthy heart. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), diets rich in whole-grain foods, such as brown rice and other plant foods, and low in total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol may help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Furthermore, the American Heart Association reports that evidence has shown low blood levels of folic acid are linked with a higher risk of fatal coronary heart disease and stroke. One cup of cooked enriched white rice delivers 23 percent of the recommended daily value of folic acid. Also, 100percent whole-grain wild rice provides many nutrients as well as protein and fiber. Including a healthy complex carbohydrate, such as natural whole-grain brown and enriched white rice, into a balanced diet can help improve overall health and reduce the risk of heart disease… and at only 10 cents per serving, rice is a smart, affordable choice for heart-healthy eating. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet focuses on food rather than medicine to help lower blood pressure. According to “Your Guide to Lowering Your Blood Pressure with DASH,” developed by the National Institutes of Health, eating at least 6-8 servings daily of whole grains, such as brown rice, may help control blood pressure. Recent research published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association and Nutrition Today shows that eating en6
riched white and whole-grain brown rice helps improve overall diet and may reduce the risk for many chronic diseases. Compared with non-rice eaters, rice eaters are less likely to have risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome; they are more likely to have an overall better diet quality. Rice eaters also eat more vegetaSwindoll bles, meats, poultry, seafood and fiber and consume less added sugar and total fat and saturated fat than non-rice eaters, all important factors for cardioprotection. Show your heart you care... visit www.usarice.com for recipes and other tips on rice preparation and storage.
Southwest Black Bean & Brown Rice Salad 2 cups uncooked brown rice 4 1/2 cups water 1/2 cup vinaigrette dressing 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed 1 cup chopped red bell pepper 1/2 cup sliced green onions 1/2 cup chopped cilantro or parsley 1/2 teaspoon salt In a 4-quart covered saucepot, simmer rice and water until tender. When rice is cooked, gently stir and let stand 10 to 15 minutes to cool. Stir in remaining ingredients. Transfer to serving dish. Yield: 10 cups Makes 13 (3/4-cup) servings or 40 (1/4-cup) sample-size servings. Each ¾-cup serving provides 140 calories, 3 grams protein, 2 grams fat, 25 grams carbohydrate, 2 grams dietary fiber, 0 milligrams cholesterol and 280 milligrams sodium. From the USA
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COMMODITY UPDATE: SWINE Jim Blissard – MFBF Swine Advisory Committee Chair Matt Bayles – MFBF Commodity Coordinator for Swine
Safe Cooking Temp Lowered for Pork Products Having just come through the holidays, you probably enjoyed some delicious meals. You may have dined on succulent ham, moist pork tenderloin or ribs sizzling hot from the grill. You also had to wait for that pork to reach a certain temperature to ensure that it was cooked correctly. Well, good news is here! Now, you will not have to wait as long for that mouth-watering meal to be complete. At one time, when cooking any type of Blissard pork, the recommended temperature was 160 degrees Fahrenheit, as measured with a food thermometer. Sometimes, cooking today’s leaner pork to this temperature rendered the meat tough and dry. No cook wants to serve, or eat, something that tastes like an overcooked hockey puck. Recently, the USDA lowered the recommended safe cooking temperature for pork products from 160 degrees F to 145 degrees F. The change in temperature includes an additional three-minute resting period when the meat is removed from the heat source. This allows the juices to finish raising the internal temperature and maintain moisture. The meat will stay tender, juicy and easy to carve. One purpose of these new cooking recommendations is to clarify perceptions about cooking pork. Granny’s cooking maxim of “no pink in the middle” may need to be replaced with a new meat thermometer. In the past, consumers have viewed the color pink in pork to be a sign of undercooked meat. However, if raw pork is cooked as recommended, it still may be pink after cooking to 145 degrees F and resting for three minutes. There are many reasons for color to still be present after cooking under the new USDA guidelines. Several factors account for this, including cooking methods and added ingredients. Any cured meat, such as hams or cured pork chops, will always be pink after cooking. However, according to the USDA, color and appearance in meat are not reliable indicators for safety or risk. The only true way to tell if meat is done is to use a food thermometer. Restaurants have been using this standard for a number of years now. If you need information about cooking temperatures for pork or other meats, visit www.IsItDoneYet.gov. These changes in preparation indicate just how far food technology has come.
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Today’s pork producers have managed to create cuts with 27 percent less saturated fat than those same cuts from 20 years ago. This advanced degree of leanness is what prompted the changes in preparation methods for every cut of pork; however, any type of ground pork, such as ground sausage, still needs to be cooked to 160 degrees F. Precooked hams can safely be reheated to 140 degrees F. Over 430 Mississippi farms raise Bayles hogs for today’s market. These farmers raised 365,000 units in 2011, doing their part to help Mississippi’s ag economy. So the next time you enjoy a shorter wait time for that baking ham or grilling rack of ribs, thank a farmer for his or her help in making the whole process a little faster and easier! This information is compliments of the United States Department of Agriculture, Mississippi Department of Ag and Commerce, and Pork Checkoff at: blogs.usda.gov/2011/05/25/cooking-meat-check-the-new-recommended-temperatures/ www.fsis.usda.gov/news/NR_052411_01/index.asp and www.porkbeinspired.com/pork_promotetemperaturechangeannouncement.aspx.
Boneless Pork Loin Roast with Herbed Pepper
1 3-pound boneless pork loin roast Herbed Pepper Rub: 2 tablespoons black pepper, cracked 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated 2 teaspoons dried basil 2 teaspoons dried rosemary 2 teaspoons dried thyme 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon salt
Pat pork dry with paper towel. In small bowl, combine all rub ingredients well and apply to all surfaces of the pork roast. Place roast in a shallow pan and roast in a 350 degrees F oven for 1 hour (20 minutes per pound), until internal temperature on a thermometer reads 145 degrees F. Remove roast from oven; let rest about 10 minutes before slicing to serve. Serves 6-8, with leftovers. Recipe from www.porkbeinspired.com.
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2012 Young Farmers & Ranchers State Achievement Award recipient Scott Cannada received $500 from Watson Quality Ford. Southern Ag Credit and Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company also each awarded the finalists in this competition $500.
2012
Achievement Award Winner
Hinds County row crop, cattle and timber farmer Scott Cannada was recently named state winner of the 2012 Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Achievement Award. He was recognized for his farming innovations, leadership skills and involvement in Farm Bureau and his community. As state winner, Scott received a new Ford F-150 pickup truck, the use of John Deere and Kubota tractors, $500 from Watson Quality Ford and $1,800 toward the purchase of technology from Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation. 8
Scott went on to compete in American Farm Bureau Federation YF&R Achievement Award competition in Nashville, representing Mississippi well.
Farm Bureau Leader Scott, who is 34, has served as a Farm Bureau volunteer leader for 12 years. He appreciates all that the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation does each year on behalf of state farmers, and he carries on a long tradition of family involvement in the organization. “My grandfather was one of the charter members of the Hinds
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2012 Young Farmers & Ranchers State Achievement Award recipient Scott Cannada will receive 100 hours use of a John Deere tractor.
County Farm Bureau,” he said. “He and my father both served as county president, and my aunt, Peggy McKey, currently serves as women’s chair on the county and regional levels.” Scott serves as vice president of Hinds County Farm Bureau and will serve as president in 2014. “I enjoy my work with Farm Bureau, but if Jack Alexander, my regional manager at the time, hadn’t pushed me to get involved, I would have been perfectly satisfied to just stay on my farm,” he said. “I’m glad he persisted, because after I started working with the Young Farmers & Ranchers Program, I began to see what Farm Bureau is all about and how very important it is to my livelihood. “Farm Bureau truly is the Voice of Mississippi Agriculture®.”
Cannada Farms Cannada Farms was begun in 1827 and has been continuously owned and operated by the Cannada family ever since. When Scott’s grandfather retired in the fall of 1998, he gave Scott 230 head of beef cattle, two tractors and some hay equipment. Scott was still in college, but he was planning to return to the farm in May 2000. “My father, mother and I put my cattle and equipment with their established farming operation and formed a three-way partnership,” Scott said. “I had worked on my parents’ farm all of my life during summers and any other time I was not at school.” Cannada Farms now consists of 2,125 acres of corn, soybeans, timberland and a cow/calf operation. In addition, Scott helps manage family timber. Scott is a talented innovator who has built many structures that MARCH/APRIL
2012 Young Farmers & Ranchers State Achievement Award recipient Scott Cannada received a new Ford F-150, compliments of Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company. He is pictured with Jack Williams.
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Scott and wife Lesley with Hayden and Haley.
ease the handling of cattle on his farm. He is also a good steward of the land. He is very proactive with his conservation efforts. “My operation is located along a major watershed area that has been targeted to reduce erosion and sedimentation,” he said. “Since I have been on the farm full time, I have placed about 100 acres in the Continuous CRP program, which gives us an annual income off of marginal land, while providing wildlife habitat and helping control erosion. “The cost-share portion of this program has allowed me to build new fences out away from the banks, which were continually caving off and destroying the existing fences,” he said. “The trees also help to protect the fences from the current during floods.” He has placed nine water control structures along creek banks to slow runoff and stop erosion. Scott has also had to deal with urban sprawl and steadily rising land values. He says it has become difficult to obtain a long-term lease on the farmland that is still available. “In the last seven years, we have lost over 1,100 acres of rented land that has been planted in trees for recreational use,” he said. “To combat this, we have begun purchasing additional land to reduce our dependence on rented land.” Leadership Scott believes in giving back to an industry that has meant so much to eight generations of his farming family. In addition to Farm Bureau, he is active in many other agricultural organizations on the county and state levels, including the county FSA committee, the Hinds County Cattlemen's Association, the Soil Conservation District, the local cotton gin and First South Farm Credit. He has served as a board member, officer and/or voting delegate for many of these groups. Farm Bureau is, of course, close to his heart. Scott is chair of the Hinds County YF&R Committee and is a county voting delegate to state convention. His wife Lesley works with the county women’s committee and has served as an alternate voting delegate to state convention. Scott and Lesley served on the YF&R State Committee, where he was chair and she served as secretary. As chair of the YF&R State Committee, Scott served on the MFBF Board of Directors and the MFBF Executive Committee. He 10
2012 Young Farmers & Ranchers State Achievement Award recipient Scott Cannada will receive 250 hours use of a Kubota tractor. Making the presentation is Cheri Parker of Kubota Tractor.
is a member of the state YF&R Steering Committee. He was a voting delegate to the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting and chair of the State Resolutions Ag Subcommittee. Scott currently serves on the MFBF Communications Committee. He starred in one of the first and one of the more recent commercials for the Farm Families of Mississippi ag promotion campaign. “I am grateful to be recognized for my time spent working with Farm Bureau as a volunteer leader,” he said. “And I was honored to represent Farm Bureau nationally.” Scott encourages other young farmers to take the time to get involved in the YF&R Program. For more information, contact YF&R Coordinator Kristen Johnson at (601) 977-4277. Scott was named Mississippi Farmer of the Year for the Sunbelt Ag Expo in 2011 and received the Hinds County Farm Bureau Distinguished Service Award for 2011. He and Lesley are past regional YF&R Achievement Award winners. Scott is Chairman of Deacons at his church, a Sunday School teacher and serves on various church committees. Scott and Lesley have two children, Haley, 8, and Hayden, 4.
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Young Farmers & Ranchers Program Want to make a difference in Mississippi agriculture? The Young Farmers & Ranchers Program will show you how. Open to agricultural professionals between the ages of 18-35, this program will help you build the skills you need to assume a leadership role within Farm Bureau or any other agricultural organization on the county, state and national level. Our members gain access to competitive awards programs, great networking and media training opportunities and the excellent Farm Bureau policy development and implementation process.
Awards Opportunities Discussion Meet: Participants in this competition have an opportunity to discuss and propose solutions to issues that currently challenge agriculture. The state winner receives a new 4-wheeler, a cash award and a trip to AFBF convention. Semi-finalists receive a cash award. Achievement Award: This contest recognizes outstanding young farmers whose farm management practices and community leadership activities set a positive example for those involved in agriculture. Participants must derive most of their income from their farming operation. Judging is based on the growth of their operation over time and their leadership and involvement in Farm Bureau and their community. The state winner receives a Ford F-150 pickup, cash awards, a $1,800 stipend to purchase a new home computer, and a trip to AFBF convention. Regional winners receive a cash award.
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Excellence in Agriculture: This contest recognizes YF&R members who are actively contributing and growing through their involvement in Farm Bureau and agriculture. Participants are judged on their involvement in agriculture, their leadership ability and their involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations (i.e., civic, service and community). The ideal candidate (s) for the Excellence in Agriculture Award is an individual or couple who does not have the majority of their income subject to normal production risk. The state winner receives a zero-turn lawnmower. Regional winners receive an Ipad.
Activities • MSU Tailgate: Gives members a chance each fall to get to know each other, enjoy delicious food and cheer on a great team!
• State YF&R Leadership Conference: Provides educational and networking opportunities as well as a fun time with fellow members.
• Farm Bureau State Convention: Offers awards opportunities, educational sessions and networking opportunities with other agricultural professionals from across the state.
• YF&R State Committee: Provides leadership and direction for the state program. Committee members have an opportunity to participate in activities such as the National YF&R Leadership Conference and Washington D.C. legislative trips.
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YF&R Program Shapes Ag Leaders
By Glynda Phillips
C
Chickasaw County row crop farmer Jason Hill never thought he’d enjoy speaking in front of a group. Now he does so effectively and with ease after having chaired the 2012 Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) State Committee. During his year in office, Jason not only helped coordinate a variety of YF&R activities, he sat as the young farmer representative on the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Board of Directors and the MFBF Executive Committee. In addition, Jason serves on the MFBF Soybean Advisory Committee. “I can’t say enough about Farm Bureau and our Young Farmers & Ranchers Program,” he said. “Before my wife Kelly and I began serving on the YF&R State Committee, we weren’t aware of what Farm Bureau does every day for our farmers. Now we know. It is amazing to me how an idea can start on the county level and end up at the national level. I also appreciate the fact that Farm Bureau works hard each year to help farmers get their message out to the public. The Farm Families of Mississippi ag image campaign is a good example. It is taking agriculture’s message to media markets across the state.”
I can’t say enough about Farm Bureau and our Young Farmers & Ranchers Program. During their time on the YF&R State Committee, one of the things the Hills valued most was the opportunity they had to make friends and learn about the different agricultural commodities grown in our state. “My wife and I now have friends who are poultry farmers,” he said. “We use chicken litter on our farm, but we didn’t know how chickens were raised. Now we do. ” Jason says his time spent on the YF&R State Committee also taught him how to work with other farmers to achieve a common goal. Each year, in addition to the state conference, the YF&R State Committee organizes the Gary Langley Memorial Fundraising Activity to help fund the YF&R Scholarship Foundation. The foundation annually awards seven scholarships to deserving Mississippi college students. For the past two years, the fundraising activity has been a very successful skeet shoot. “YF&R activities like these are a first step in working with other farmers to make farming better,” Jason said. Jason and Kelly farm 6,000 acres with Jason’s family near Woodland in Chickasaw County. The two families have separate operations, but they help each other, sharing resources, manpower and equipment. Jason and Kelly grow soybeans and cotton. They also manage pastureland where Jason’s grandfather grazes cattle. A fourth-generation farmer, Jason says farming is all he has ever wanted to do. He says he would have been happy to just stay on the farm if he and Kelly had not been encouraged by
Kelly and Jason Hill
Region 4 Regional Manager Samantha Webb to get involved with the YF&R Program. “I am glad we listened to her,” he said. “We have enjoyed every minute of it.” Jason would like to encourage other young farmers to participate in this program. “As young farmers, you are busy working on your farm and raising your family, but you need to try to be as involved in the YF&R Program as you can,” he said. “We also need more activities on the county level. That’s where it all begins. “In the future, I hope to see our program reaching more young farmers and encouraging them to get involved,” he said. “I’d like to see us having more regional meetings. Some areas of the state have more active young farmer programs than other areas, and I think that has to do with the number of farmers concentrated in those areas. In the Delta, it is easier. Farmers are closer together. Here in the hills, young farmers are scattered because our farmland often doesn’t adjoin. I farm land in three different counties. Regional meetings would help bring us closer together. “I have enjoyed working with Farm Bureau,” he said. “In years past, I’d see my dad (Jan Hill) leave to attend county and state Farm Bureau meetings, and I would wonder why he took the time from his busy schedule to do that. As I got older, I realized that working with agricultural groups is just a part of farming. To make sure that agriculture remains strong, we must take the time to work together so that our voices are heard on issues that affect our lives and livelihood. “I wish I’d gotten involved earlier.” For more information about the YF&R Program, contact Kirsten Johnson at (601) 977-4277.
2012
Excellence in Agriculture Recipients
William and Julie White of Oktibbeha County are excited and proud to be the first state recipients of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Excellence in Agriculture Award. The Whites went on to place among the top-ten finalists in American Farm Bureau Federation competition. They were recognized for their involvement in agriculture, their leadership ability and their involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and their community. The Excellence in Agriculture Award is presented to those individuals or couples who do not have the majority of their income subject to normal production risk. Contestants must prepare a presentation in which they talk about themselves, their work with agriculture and the three issues they view as being the most important in agriculture. As state winners, the Whites received a Grasshopper zero-turn mower, sponsored by Southern Ag Credit, and an expensepaid trip from Farm Bureau to the national convention. William is the facilities coordinator for the Mississippi State University (MSU) Leveck Research Station, where he manages 300 registered Angus, Charolais and William and Julie White, recipients of the 2012 Young Farmers & Ranchers State Excellence in Hereford cattle and 100 horses. He also Agriculture Award, received a Grasshopper zero-turn mower, compliments of Southern Ag Credit. Finalists in this competition received Yeti coolers, compliments of the Mississippi Farm Bureau coordinates research and hands-on teaching Insurance Sales Department. The Whites were top-ten finalists nationally. for the MSU Animal and Dairy Sciences that passion in our children on a daily basis by providing them the opDepartment and MSU College of Veterinary Medicine. Julie is the Oktibbeha County Extension Director for the Missis- portunities that our parents gave us to learn how to work on the farm sippi State University Extension Service, where she provides coor- and care for the land and animals,” William said. “As our children get dination for the overall county Extension program, which includes older, we are currently transitioning our herd into a registered cattle agriculture, family and consumer science, and 4-H. Her primary fo- operation to provide them with the opportunity to show and market quality cattle.” cus area is youth and adult agriculture programs. “Our jobs and our family farm give us the opportunity to work toIn addition, the Whites are the fifth generation to farm their 200acre family farm. They currently run a small commercial cow/calf op- gether to promote agriculture and the cattle industry through various camps and tours that provide educational experiences,” Julie said. “It eration and raise their own hay and feed to reduce input costs. “We both have a strong passion for agriculture and are instilling is our philosophy that we need to imprint children at a young age 14
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William and Julie White are pictured on their farm with their children Matthew and Morgan and their dog Cowgirl.
about agriculture and where their food and fiber come from. Also, it is essential for them to understand that farmers are good stewards and work daily to feed and clothe the world.” Julie and William say that farmers today must take responsibility for promoting their own farms as well as the agricultural industry as a whole. The Whites feel that a unified agricultural voice is critical. “Agriculture cannot defend itself from those who oppose it if a unified action is not taken,” William said. “Together, not only can we defend agriculture, but we can promote and strengthen our agricultural industry as a whole.” “There are many tools today, such as the Internet and social media, that provide a quick, easy and inexpensive way for producers to allow the consumer to learn about everyday life on their farms,” Julie said. “If each farmer could change the perception of just one person each year, the perception of agriculture as a whole would slowly change.” William serves as chair of the Oktibbeha County Farm Bureau YF&R and Beef committees, and Julie serves as a board advisor and as vice chair of the Women’s and Ag in the Classroom committees. The Whites served on the YF&R State Committee for two years, where she also served as secretary. He serves on the MFBF Beef Ad-
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visory and Social Media committees. They have both worked with various other YF&R committees. In 2012, Julie worked with Oktibbeha County Farm Bureau, Oktibbeha County Extension staff and other local agricultural groups to help organize and present FARMtastic, a new annual event designed to teach third-graders about agriculture. Approximately 700 Oktibbeha County school kids visited booths set up at the Mississippi Horse Park to learn about everything from insects and farm animals to forestry and healthy eating habits. (See the Oktibbeha County Farm Bureau Spotlight for more information.) The Whites are involved in the Oktibbeha County Cattlemen’s Association, which he has served as president and which she currently serves as secretary. She also serves as secretary of the Oktibbeha County Forest Farmers Association and the Oktibbeha County Ag Club. She is a past president of the Mississippi Association of Extension 4-H Agents. The Whites are active members of their community and church. They have two children, Matthew, 7, and Morgan, 5. For more information about the YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Contest, contact YF&R Coordinator Kirsten Johnson at (601) 977-4277.
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COUNSEL’S CORNER
Just Looking
T
By Sam E. Scott, MFBF General Counsel
This is a term we sometimes use when shopping, faced with a salesperson who might just wish to be helpful but seems a bit aggressive, so we cordially suggest that we are just looking and would prefer to be left alone, at least for the present. Or perhaps by this we might mean that we would like to give the matter more serious thought or that we are just passing the time of day. Serious thought or killing time? Quite, even totally, different, this question seems to be indicative of the present Information Age. Recently, I read an article in the 1937 National Geographic, and its feature was the city of London. Fleet Street was the news center of that great city and was said to have produced an astounding 22 million words the year before, a record for its day and time. Comparing that to the present, each day there are 400 million new Tweets and 400 million new images produced on social media, making pre-World War II Fleet Street comparable to the Gutenberg printing press. Speaking of printing, there are now dire forecasts that the print media is an idea whose time has passed, and there are facts that seem to support this. Questions are even being raised about whether there is a need to continue to teach cursive writing. My reaction to this is: If the power goes off, are we thereby rendered deaf and dumb? I hope not, but I still like fountain pens. In a book about travels across the United States, I came upon an account of a beautiful lake in the Appalachian area. The author saw an old gentleman walking down the road by the lake and stopped his car. After commenting about the beautiful setting, he asked the fellow if the fishing was good, but he replied no fishing was allowed. He then suggested it seemed a perfect site for boating and water skiing and got the same reply. Puzzled, he asked what kind of lake this was. The old fellow paused in thought and said: “I guess it’s just a looking lake – you just look at it.”
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We may be becoming a looking society instead of a learning society. Law libraries of books are disappearing in favor of electronics. Today, there are many technological wonders, such as the Mars Rover, the space station, etc., but all are the result of deep reading, careful study and extensive research. I use a computer and have a Kindle reader and enjoy both, but they can never take the place of a book, which, if mine, is dog-eared and underlined. I am unable to adjust to the notion of entering family records – births, marriages, deaths, etc. – in a family Ipad, though that era may be coming. Winston Churchill, one of my heroes, wrote this about books: “Nothing makes a man more reverent than a library. A few books, which was Lord Morley’s definition of anything under five thousand, may give a sense of comfort and even of complacency. But a day in the library, even of modest dimensions, quickly dispels these illusory sensations. As you browse about, taking down book after book from the shelves and contemplating the vast, infinitely varied store of knowledge and wisdom which the human race has accumulated and preserved, pride, even in its most innocent forms, is chased from the heart by feelings of awe not untinged with sadness. As one surveys the mighty array of sages, saints, historians, scientists, poets and philosophers whose treasures one will never be able to admire – still less enjoy – the brief tenure of our existence here dominates mind and spirit.” Don’t just look … read and learn. We don’t need to kill time, it expires by itself. As the old song goes – enjoy yourself, it’s later than you think.
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.
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Bibb to Lead 2013 YF&R State Committee Tunica County row crop farmer Jon Koehler Bibb will chair the 2013 Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) State Committee. “We are honored to have Jon Koehler lead this important program for the coming year,” said Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) President Randy Knight. “His family has a reputation of service and support to the Farm Bureau organization, and we are thrilled to have him on board." Jon was elected to chair the group by his peers on the committee. As chair, he will serve as the young farmer representative on the MFBF Board of Directors
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and MFBF Executive Committee. Jon and his wife Shannon have one daughter, Maggie Rae.
Cory Williamson of Water Valley, winner of the 2012 Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) State Discussion Meet, received a 4-wheeler from Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company. YF&R State Discussion Meet finalists received $500 from Watson Quality Ford.Cory competed in the Sweet Sixteen semi-finals nationally.
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Solve the
?
Mystery W
hich town is the seat of government for Montgomery County? This town is named for a Native American who attended the daughter of Colonel O. J. Moore, one of the town’s founders. Read the clues and make your guess. Incorporated in 1861, our mystery town was originally a plantation owned by Colonel Moore. When the Mississippi Central Railroad came through, he gave land for the tracks. At that time, the nearby towns of Middleton and Lodi relocated to the area. The oldest house in this town, the David Nell House, was originally a log cabin moved from Lodi. In a ceremony in 1860, a Golden Spike was driven south of this town to celebrate the fact that rail service now spanned from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico for the first time in history. The Illinois Central Railroad was active in this town until ten years ago, as was the C & G Railroad. There is not much rail traffic now. This town was also once known as the Crossroads of North Mississippi because it is located where Highway 82 and Interstate 55 cross. In its heyday, the town boasted a large agricultural industry, and agriculture is still important in the form of row crops and cattle. Tyler Holmes Memorial Hospital is now the town’s main employer. At one time, our mystery town boasted a number of hotels, doctor’s offices, two movie theaters, and a skating rink. Two hotels, the Wisteria and the Simmons, are still standing but are now used for other purposes. At its most prosperous, this town boasted a population of about 5,000 people. That number has remained stable through the years. Despite the fact that through the years the town burned three times and experienced tornadoes, it still boasts many historic structures. Downtown, along Front Street, you will find lots of original buildings but with new facades. The downtown historic district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Immanuel Episcopal Church and Wisteria Hotel are also listed as historic places. Down by the tracks, you will find restaurants and shops. Our mystery town works with the Main Street program to bring in new businesses and to promote the town. Almost all of the businesses are family owned, including one of the banks. The oldest bank in town was established in the 1800s. Each year, this town holds a Fall Fest that enjoys a good turnout. Many years ago, the old courthouse boasted a huge clock. When the MARCH/APRIL
courthouse was rebuilt in 1976, the clock was sold to a local citizen who sold it to someone in Memphis who sold it to someone in Green Bay, Wisconsin, for a mall. When the mall shut down, the citizens of this town bought back their clock. Eventually, it will hang in a prominent location in our mystery town. This town is proud of its schools and high school athletic programs. Residents point out that many years ago their high school and the high school in Yazoo City competed against each other in the first high school football game ever played in the state of Mississippi. Also of historic note, the nearby EE Hereford Ranch was once known as Circle H Ranch and was owned by the George Harris Sr. family, longtime residents of our mystery town. The ranch’s annual Horned Hereford Cattle Sale was a huge event. George Harris Jr. now owns a downtown jewelry and gift store. George Jr.’s niece recently wed the son of former MFBF President David Waide and wife Sandra. Hillfire Theater, located in the downtown area, holds historic plays twice a year – in the fall and spring. The theater is located in the Montgomery County Performing Arts Building. A former Ford dealership building that was once a hardware store built in 1919, the building boasts modular steel construction. Of historic note, musicians from the group, Ole Miss Down Beats, were from this town. The Raggedy Anns, a high school singing group who in the late 1960s performed on the Ted Mack Original Amateur Hour, were also from this town. Famous people hailing from our mystery town include Gill Peterson, an astronaut who went to the moon; Wade Griffin, a former Baltimore Colts football player who is now a coach/athletic director; actor Don Peterson; Bill Stacy of the St. Louis Cardinals; Chris White of the New York Giants; and Roebuck “Pops” Staples, an American gospel and R&B musician. The first naval aviator to lose his life in defense of our country, Devotie Billingsley, hailed from this town. Name this town. Correct Guesses 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 MARCH/APRIL
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 March 31. January/February The correct answer for the January/February Solve the Mystery is Oktoc.
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MEMBER BENEFITS SPOTLIGHT
ID Theft Credit Restoration Assistance By Greg Gibson, MFBF Member Services Director
Our newest partnership to help Farm Bureau members is with a company called ID Experts. They provide a service that most people will never need, but if you do need it, you will thank your lucky stars that you have it available to you. ID theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the country. And when someone steals your identity, it can take years to fix all of the problems this can cause you. ID theft takes many forms. Someone could steal your credit card number or set up a credit card in your name that you don’t know about. Then they could charge thousands of dollars to that credit card and the card company thinks it’s you who owes them money. Or how about this? Someone gets your social security number and files an IRS return in your name and steals your refund. It could be several months before you even discover that it happened. Or this? A doctor in Los Angeles had her identity stolen by a sophisticated international crime ring that set up shop in her name and was bilking Medicare out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. The government then came knocking at her door wanting the money back. For these reasons and many more, Farm Bureau felt the need to help our members who have been victims of these types of crimes. This new Member Benefits program will help any Farm Bureau member who has been victimized by identity theft get their credit restored to pre-theft status. And the best part of this program is that it doesn’t cost the member a penny! This free Identity Theft Credit Restoration Program is now available and will work with you to fix all the problems that come with ID theft. For more information on this program, check out our Web site at www.msfb.org or call Member Benefits Coordinator Dedra Luke at 601-977-4169.
Farm Families of Mississippi
The highly successful Farm Families of Mississippi ag image campaign began its fourth year on the air in late February. This statewide effort to educate the public about the importance of agriculture will be expanding its reach once again this year. The newest TV market will be Hattiesburg, which will join with the established markets in Jackson, Biloxi, Greenville, Tupelo and the Mississippi Public Broadcasting Network. Farm Families of Mississippi has also entered into a partnership with Eat Jackson, a leader in food media and culinary events production, to be the presenting sponsor of that organization for 2013. Eat Jackson’s founder, Andy Chapman, said this marketing partnership with Farm Families of Mississippi demonstrates a shared commitment to the growth of our state’s economy and makes a strong statement for the mutual importance of agriculture and the culinary arts to our state’s long-term success. “We know farmers work tirelessly every day to make the food they grow better and more affordable,” said Daryl Burney, who chairs the Farm Families of Mississippi Committee. “That’s why we are so excited to tell our stories, answer questions and demonstrate our commitment to providing healthy choices for everyone. This partnership with Eat Jackson will help us do that.” To learn more about Eat Jackson, visit www.EatJackson.com or www.EatYall.com. 20
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2013 Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Ambassador Molly Martin of Rankin County is pictured with Collin Ray Hutcheson of Lee County, alternate; MFBF President Randy Knight; State Women’s Committee Chair Betty Mills; and 2012 Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Ambassador Alan Smith of Pearl River County. Molly will receive a $2,000 scholarship, and Collin will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Farm Woman of the Year
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The Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Women’s Program is encouraging women farmers across the state to participate in a new contest that is designed to recognize the achievements of women farmers. The contest is called Farm
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Woman of the Year. Applications will be available soon at www.msfb.org and must be completed and submitted by August 1. For more information, contact Clara Bilbo at (601) 977-4245.
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A
Lifetime of Distinguished
M
Service By Glynda Phillips
ississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Honorary Vice President Louis Breaux III recently received the organization’s Distinguished Service Award for 2012. The presentation was made during state convention in Jackson in December. The award, Farm Bureau’s highest honor, is reserved for someone who has truly made a difference in the lives of Mississippi farmers. Early in his work as a Hancock County Farm Bureau volunteer leader, Breaux had an experience that would shape his life. He was watching a talent presentation at state convention when a young boy began reciting a poem and talking about the land and what it meant to him as a farmer and an American. “This is my land,” the boy kept repeating. “This is my democracy.” As he finished his talk, he reached into his pocket and took out a handful of dirt that he let sift slowly through his fingers and fall to the floor. Breaux says he thought, “Gracious, what a good organization. Farm Bureau is made up of fine conservative people, and it offers programs for women, young farmers and kids. It has something for every member of the family. I knew at that moment that I would do whatever I could do to support the organization and help it grow.” He certainly has.
Breaux family members 22
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When Breaux moved to Mississippi in 1956, Hancock County didn’t have an active Farm Bureau program. The county Extension agent asked if he would like to serve on a board that was trying to get one started, and he said he would. Thus began the slow, often painful, process of growing a county Farm Bureau during a time when Farm Bureau was essentially in its infancy, especially in the coastal area of the state. But Hancock County Farm Bureau pressed on and soon hit its stride – meeting and often exceeding its quota each year. Plans went on the drawing board for a county office building. During that time, Breaux served as county vice president then president for some 17 years. “We had finally found an acre of land to purchase to build our office,” he recalled, “and Hurricane Camille hit.” But far from proving to be a hindrance, the response and efficiency of Farm Bureau claims adjusters in the wake of the storm so impressed the locals that the membership doubled in the year following the storm, as did the size of the proposed building. Hancock County Farm Bureau also began holding annual meetings in the local school cafeteria, which soon overflowed with the number of folks in attendance. Breaux began serving on the MFBF Board of Directors in 1971. He has served continuously ever since. He served as South Mississippi Vice President for many years and is now a Lifetime Honorary Vice President. He has served with five Federation presidents, including Boswell Stevens, Hugh Arant, Don Waller, David Waide and Randy Knight.
I am so glad I had the opportunity to work with Farm Bureau volunteer leaders and staff to build such an impressive organization.
Louis and Jeannette Breaux
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In the 1970s and 1980s, Breaux served on the MFBF Growth and Building committees and the state Mutual board. He started and headed the very popular Farm Bureau Gumbo Festival in Washington, D.C., for many years. Breaux served on Gov. Bill Waller’s Pep Committee, representing agriculture, and on Gov. Kirk Fordice’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Advisory Committee. All the while, Breaux and his wife Jeannette were raising a family and farming. On their farm at Kiln, they had cattle, timber and a dairy. Later, Breaux and his family built a municipal biosolvent business, which is still in operation today. In his community, Breaux helped organize and served as president of the Hancock County Fair and Livestock Association. He is a past president of the Hancock/Harrison Cattlemen’s Association. He is a past chair of the United Way Campaign, and he received the Merchant Marine veterans’ highest award, the Distinguished Service Metal. Following Hurricane Katrina, he organized food drops for families who had lost everything. Louis and Jeannette celebrated their 65th anniversary on Dec. 14, 2012. They have seven living children, 21 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Breaux loves his family, his church and his community, and he remains steadfastly devoted to Farm Bureau. “I have read about other organizations that claim to be working for the betterment of farmers and the environment, but Farm Bureau truly walks the talk, as they say,” he said. “It is a family organization with good conservative values, and it has done a lot for the farmers of Mississippi. I am so glad I had the opportunity to work with Farm Bureau volunteer leaders and staff to build such an impressive organization. “I wish Farm Bureau all the best as we move forward into the future, and I hope to continue serving the organization in any way that I can for as long as I am able.” 23
On the Shoulders of
By Glynda Phillips
GIANTS
Jan Holley of Tremont recently received the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Excellence in Leadership Award for 2012. The award, which recognizes volunteer leaders who have made significant contributions to Farm Bureau and Mississippi agriculture, was presented during Farm Bureau’s annual membership meeting in December. In her work with agriculture, Jan says she stands on the shoulders of giants. Her family has produced many visionary, innovative agricultural leaders, including her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Sim and Dorothy Holley, who helped organize the Itawamba County Farm Bureau, and her father, Homer Wilson, a semi-retired entomologist who continues to walk cotton fields and take soil samples at the age of 78. One creative way Jan carries on the family legacy is through an agritourism business she and her husband Danny operate each fall in partnership with his brother Joel, Joel’s wife Mayola, and their extended families. Holley Farm, located in the Appalachian foothills of northeast Mississippi, is designed to en- Holley family members tertain its thousands of visitors while teaching them all about Mississippi agriculture. Another way Jan strives to keep the spirit of her farming ancestors alive is through her active involvement in Farm Bureau and other agricultural organizations. Jan serves as the Itawamba County Farm Bureau Women’s Chair. She was one of 15 women from across the nation selected to attend the American Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Communications Boot Camp, which annually teaches women involved in agriculture how to effectively tell the farmer’s story to the media. She is a member of the Mississippi Agritourism Association. She sits on an advisory committee for the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce and the Mississippi Tourism Association to promote agriculture and tourism in our state. Jan is a member of the Master Gardeners and the Mississippi Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. She serves the Mississippi Women in Agriculture program in many capacities, and was one of three women selected from our state to attend the National Women in Agriculture Conference in Oklahoma City. “Before I began serving on our county Farm Bureau women’s committee, I didn’t realize how essential agriculture is in our daily 24
lives, even though agriculture has been an important part of my life my entire life,” she said. “It took becoming involved in agricultural organizations for me to realize that without farmers we couldn’t exist. “Farmers are responsible for the food in our mouths, the clothes on our backs and the shelter over our heads. That realization set me on a course to teach people to better appreciate agriculture. I try to emphasize agriculture’s importance to the kids who visit Holley Farm.” This is Holley Farm’s fifth year in operation. Even though it has proven to be popular, Jan spent two years conducting research and visiting other farms before convincing family members that agritourism was the way to go. “Even then, they were not totally convinced until they saw what it was and what it could be. Then they bought into it,” she said with a smile. Jan says agritourism is not for the faint of heart or for people who don’t have a good labor base. “We have 20-plus family members who work here on the weekends,” she said. “Without our children and their families we could not do this.” Jan says you must also be good with people and not mind having large numbers of visitors on your farm. Plus, you must make your agritourism operation as personal as possible. “Your visitors must feel as though they are a part of your family and that they are connected to your farm,” she said. “Ideally, a visit to your farm should become a fall tradition, something the entire family looks forward to doing together every year. “If you are interested in agritourism, you need to do your homework and visit other operations,” she said. “You need to build upon the history and anything else that is unique to your area, and you must continually work to bring in new ideas to keep it a fun, quality experience. Several of us are former educators, so that helps.” Finally, Jan says you must love agriculture to succeed with this. “Agritourism is a wonderful way to make memories for kids while teaching them about farm life,” she said. “When they are adults, they will think about farmers and food and how it is grown.” In addition to their agritourism business, the Holleys farm a large row crop operation in partnership with Joel and Mayola. Jan and Danny are the parents of three children and five grandchildren.
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An Ambassador for Agriculture V
By Glynda Phillips
eteran Mississippi entertainer and wildlife conservation advocate Paul Ott recently received the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Ag Ambassador Award for 2012. The Ag Ambassador Award recognizes individuals who have gone beyond their normal range of activities in promoting Mississippi agriculture, and it isn’t presented every year – only when Farm Bureau feels that it has been earned. The award was presented to Ott during Farm Bureau’s annual membership meeting in December. No one deserves the honor more. The 78-year-old singer, songwriter and storyteller has spent his life travelling the state, the nation and the world, promoting wildlife conservation and giving others a glimpse of the lifestyle and values that have sustained farmers and rural Southerners for centuries – important bedrock values like God, family and country. And he is not done yet. That his popular radio/television show, “Listen to the Eagle,” celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2013 is a testament to his enduring popularity. Paul Ott’s show, named for a song he penned in 1976 in honor of America’s bicentennial, focuses on wildlife and conservation issues and on agriculture and other topics. Ott got his start in entertainment through the Mississippi Game and Fish Commission (now the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks) in the 1970s as their public relations manager. He began promoting their educational programs, using songs he wrote and sang himself. Ott used videos and sounds with his music – images of kids running with dogs and the sound of a hound dog baying – because he knew this would also capture people’s attention. He says he was the first musician to use videos with music. He got the idea to include sounds with his songs from the late country entertainer Jerry Clower of “Knock ‘Em Out John” fame. Paul Ott’s songs became so popular that other Southern states soon called. Eventually, the National Wildlife Federation in Washington, D.C., asked him to take the ads to all 50 states.
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MFBF President Randy Knight presents Paul Ott with his Ag Ambassador Award.
Ott has presented his program, “Listen to the Eagle,” to all 50 state governors’ conventions, to over a million school children and to six state legislative sessions. He has sung for two U.S. presidents at their request. He presented Mississippi’s own Oprah Winfrey her Angel Award. Ott has made appearances in Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and he appeared at the First World Wilderness Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, with an interpreter. Someone asked the interpreter what language Ott was speaking. Ott told them he was speaking South Mississippi. Paul Ott’s father’s family worked in agriculture in Hollandale. When his father, Paul Holland, died when he was just a baby, his mother moved the family back to her home in Pike County, where Ott would help his grandfather on a small Paul and wife Lynda farm that had cows, chickens, hogs and cotton. “My grandbabies, of which I have 13, still think groceries grow in the grocery store,” he said. “I’ve been trying to teach them, by having a small farm and putting a few things out there on my farm, where their food really comes from. But I don’t know if it has caught on for them yet. “We have some great farm families in our state, and I truly believe that farmers make the world go round,” he said. “If it wasn’t for farmers, we couldn’t keep our country going. We must never get to the point where we depend on other countries for our food.” Ott appreciates Farm Bureau’s work on behalf of farmers and all Mississippians. He was instrumental in helping Farm Bureau with the eminent domain reform campaign. MARCH/APRIL
“Paul Ott did more than any other person in the state, especially in South Mississippi, to educate people about eminent domain reform and help us get signatures on our petitions. He worked tirelessly,” said Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation President Randy Knight. “That issue was very personal to me since I own land and know what it is worth,” Ott said. “I don’t want someone taking my farm for less than its value for private development purposes. I just didn’t think it was right. “It was a great thing to work with Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, who took the lead on this issue,” he said. “Through our show, we reached a lot of people every week, but a lot of other people worked hard on this, too.” Paul Ott says he has received a few awards around the country for his work through the years, but he doesn’t think anything means more to him than the Ag Ambassador Award. “I am deeply humbled,” he said. “I’m just so thankful that the things we promoted in agriculture have made a little bit of an impact. I’m especially happy to have worked alongside Farm Bureau. It’s a great organization. “Farm Bureau is just like my family.” “Listen to the Eagle,” Paul Ott’s live call-in radio show, can be heard on ESPN, 105 FM, every Monday night, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and on 15 stations across the state. It also airs on television every Sunday morning on these Mississippi stations: WABG in Greenville; WJTV in Jackson; WTOK in Meridian; WHLT in Hattiesburg; WLOX on the Coast; and WCBI in Columbus, as well as stations in Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee and Arkansas.
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Doss Brodnax and Nelda Starks
Farm Bureau Spotlight
Oktibbeha County By Glynda Phillips
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Oktibbeha County Farm Bureau volunteer leaders work hard each year to surface ideas that will strengthen their program and move it forward into the future. In 2012, Oktibbeha County Farm Bureau relocated to a newly constructed office building in a more visible area of Starkville. Also in 2012, volunteer leaders supported FARMtastic, a great new event that teaches third-graders about agriculture. Oktibbeha County Farm Bureau also continued holding its annual resolutions/commodity meeting, a unique event that brings together agricultural leaders from across the county for input into the Farm Bureau policy development process. Growing, Reaching Out “Two years ago, we decided to sell the building where we had been located since the 1970s. After our board members considered several different options, we decided to build a
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new office building on Stark Road,” said Oktibbeha County Farm Bureau President Doss Brodnax. “We sold the old building, which had served as a passenger train terminal in the early 1900s, and we moved in early November 2012.” The new building is 3,600 square feet in size, with seven offices, reception and storage areas, and a combination conference room and kitchen area. Oktibbeha County Farm Bureau plans to hold an open house sometime this spring. Another activity with which the county was involved in 2012 was FARMtastic. Doss says FARMtastic was Julie White’s idea. Julie, who is director of the Oktibbeha County Extension Office, sits on the Oktibbeha County Farm Bureau Board of Directors as an Extension advisor and is vice chair of the Women’s and Ag in the Classroom committees. FARMtastic was a joint effort between Oktibbeha County Farm Bureau, the Oktibbeha County Extension Office and other local agricultural organizations. “FARMtastic started out small in 2012, playing host to 700 thirdgraders from all of the schools in the county,” said Oktibbeha County
New Oktibbeha County Farm Bureau Office Building MARCH/APRIL
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Women’s Chair Nelda Starks. The stations for this year’s event consisted of Barnyard Bonanza (livestock), The Enchanted Forest (forestry), Wonder Plants (horticulture and agronomy), It’s a Bug’s Life (entomology), and Sweet Treats from the Farm (nutrition). “Each station focused on the commodities that are produced here in Oktibbeha County. Having our local famers present at the event gave the children a more local approach to farming,” Julie said. FARMtastic, which was modeled after similar (and much larger) events in Louisiana and Texas, enjoyed community support from Mississippi State University (MSU), the Oktibbeha County Forestry Association, Oktibbeha County Master Gardeners, Oktibbeha County Vo-Tech Center, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service on the local and state levels, Mississippi Land Bank, Oktibbeha County Cattlemen’s Association, and many others. Julie said, “This event would not have been possible without our sponsors and volunteers. We are very grateful for all of the support we received this year, and we are excited about the future of this program”. FARMtastic coordinators would eventually like to see it become a regional and, ultimately, a statewide event. “The feedback received from the schools has been very positive,” Nelda said. “We look forward to next year’s event, which will include Choctaw and Webster counties and a day for the public.” Another unique thing Oktibbeha County Farm Bureau does each year is hold an annual resolutions/commodity meeting. “We invite different commodity groups to attend in the areas of forestry, beef, horticulture and equine, because those are our largest
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Doss Brodnax, Samantha Webb, Julie White, Nelda Starks and Larry Brewer
agricultural commodities in the county. We discuss issues related to the commodities,” Doss said. “All of the ag groups in our county work well together.”
Involved, Active In addition to these special activities, Oktibbeha County Farm Bureau always enjoys an excellent turnout at its annual meeting, held this year at the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) Conference Center on the MSU campus. Volunteer leaders also hold a legislative reception and two safety programs each year that are well attended. Oktibbeha County Farm Bureau participates in state events, including Ag Day at the Capitol, the Winter Commodity Conference, the Legislative Reception and all of the state Women’s Program activities. Nelda attends and speaks at the summer Ag in the Classroom Workshops and attends the State Women’s Leadership Conference each spring. Oktibbeha County always sends a delegate to Youth Safety Seminar.
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Oktibbeha County Farm Bureau was very much involved with the eminent domain reform campaign and Initiative 31. Volunteer leaders worked hard, educating folks and getting signatures for petitions. Last but not least, Oktibbeha County Farm Bureau is proud of William and Julie White, state winners and national finalists in the Excellence in Agriculture competition.
Board Members, Staff Oktibbeha County Farm Bureau was chartered Feb. 23, 1923. Current board members include Doss Brodnax, president; Chuck Dawkins, vice president; Pam Powe, secretary/treasurer; Nelda Starks, women’s chair; William White, young farmer chair; Samantha Webb, regional manager; Julie White, county Extension agent and women’s vice chair; Larry Brewer, Eddie Cantrell, Bill Cook, Dennis Daniels, Dewayne Davis, Russell Dodds, Cecil Hamilton, Beverly Jones, James McKell, Warren Oakley, Eddie Strickland and Ed Williams. Agency manager is Prate Montgomery. Other agents are Tom Jackson and Gathian Wells. Pam Powe is membership secretary.
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2012 State Convention
Rep. Preston Sullivan, chair of the House Ag Committee, received the 2012 Friend of Agriculture Award. He is pictured with his wife Linda and MFBF President Randy Knight.
The Women’s Program was successful with their annual General Store.
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Sen. Billy Hudson, chair of the Senate Ag Committee, received the 2012 Friend of Agriculture Award. He is pictured with his family and MFBF President Randy Knight.
2012 Women’s Program Awards of Excellence recipients include, from left, Region 1 - Panola County, Linda Holland, chair; Region 2 - Itawamba County, Jan Holley, chair; Region 4 Montgomery County, Georgia Caffey, chair; Region 5 - Adams County, Fayla Guedon, chair; Region 8 - Carroll County, Betty Taylor, chair; Region 6 - Neshoba County, Joan Thompson, chair; Region 3 - Covington County, Shelby Williams, chair; and Region 7 - Perry County, Sharon Lott, chair.
2012 Women’s Outstanding Achievement Awards recipients are, from left, Youth Safety Volunteer – Leake County, Dott Arthur, vice chair, and Dian Grundy, chair; Community Service Humphreys County, Brittney Rogers, vice chair, and Melissa McGlawn, chair; Information, Organization and Government Relations – Stone County, Louise Brown, chair; and Agriculture in the Classroom – Jackson County, Debbie Hackler, chair. MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY
Humphreys County Farm Bureau received the J.K. Simpson Memorial and Gary Chittom Membership awards. Membership Secretary Judy Kelly is pictured with MFBF President Randy Knight. MARCH/APRIL
2012 State Convention
Governor Phil Bryant, pictured with MFBF President Randy Knight, was the keynote speaker for the Saturday afternoon General Session.
The Mike Blankenship Outstanding County Safety Award was presented to Covington County in South Mississippi; Neshoba County in Central Mississippi; and Panola County in North Mississippi. The recipients are pictured with MFBF President Randy Knight.
Mississippi Pennies donations were presented this year to Bill Brand, principal at East Webster High School. He is pictured with the State Women’s Committee.
Jeff Fowle addressed the Saturday afternoon General Session and the Farm Families of Mississippi Benefit Dinner.
2012 Outstanding County Award recipients include Region 1 – DeSoto County; Region 2 – Itawamba County; Region 3 – Montgomery County; Region 4 – Monroe County; Region 5 – Simpson County; Region 6 – Jefferson Davis County; Region 7 – Walthall County; and Region 8 – Jackson County. The President’s Award for the best overall county program was presented to Walthall County.
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2012 State Convention
Reelected to serve on the State Women’s Committee are Region 3 - Peggy McKey; Region 1 - Deniese Swindoll; Region 7 - Carolyn Turner; and Region 5 - Betty Edwards.
A time of visiting old friends and making new ones was enjoyed during the Young Farmers & Ranchers Alumni Reception.
2013 Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors
Prentiss County Women’s Chair Carla Taylor presented a program called “Let’s Get Animated.” Carla is a graduate of the American Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Communications Boot Camp. She also serves on the state board.
The Bells of Faith, a hand bell choir from The Mustard Seed program, performed during Worship Service.
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2012 State Convention
Speakers at the Transportation Regs Conference were Kip Willis, State Program Manager, Mississippi Division, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and Capt. Scott Carnegie, Chief Inspector, Motor Carrier Safety Division, Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
Simpson County Farm Bureau President Carol King delivered the devotional during the General Session on Sunday.
The Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Silent Auction helps raise funds for the YF&R Scholarship Foundation.
MFBF Safety Specialist John Hubbard presented a program during the Safety Conference.
Herbert Word, president of Monroe County Farm Bureau, served as auctioneer for the Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Live Auction, which helps raise funds for the YF&R Scholarship Foundation.
Toys and gifts were presented to Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital in Jackson. Pictured with Dr. Tishawn Thames, the hospital’s Child Life Coordinator, are members of the State Women’s Committee, Clara Bilbo, Betty Kelly and Pam Jones. The donations were collected by volunteer leaders from across the state.
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Bloodworth Joins MFBF Staff
Kent M. Bloodworth will join the staff of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) as Assistant General Counsel, beginning Feb. 24. He will work in the office of MFBF General Counsel Sam E. Scott. Kent grew up in the family agricultural retail business in Batesville and is a graduate of Mississippi State University, with a bachelor’s degree in agronomy and a master’s degree in weed science. He received his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Mississippi College School of Law.
For the past six years, Kent has used his agricultural background in his work as an associate attorney with Husch Blackwell LLP in St. Louis, Missouri. “We are excited to have Kent join our staff,” said MFBF President Randy Knight. “His knowledge and experience in both law and agriculture will be a definite asset to our organization. “Please join me in welcoming Kent and his wife into our Farm Bureau family.”
Calender of Events March 12 Ag Day at the Capitol March 15 Teacher of the Year and Regional Coloring Contest Deadline April 1 Deadline for State Coloring Contest April 11 Magnolia Beef and Poultry Expo Raleigh April 19-20 Super Bulldog Weekend MSU April 23-24 Secretaries’ Conference Jackson April 26 Women’s Leadership Conference Jackson June 1 Scholarships Deadline June 3-6 Youth Safety Seminar Timber Creek Camp June 11-13 AITC Workshops Hernando, Jackson, Hattiesburg
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As a Farm Bureau member, you have access to many programs and benefits. To learn more, visit our Web site at www.msfb.org. Or see the Member Benefits information on pages 2 and 20.
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