MI SSI SSIP PI FARM COUNT RY Volume 88 Number 5 September/October 2012
M ississippi Fa rm 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 E DITOR - Glynda Phillips AD VE RTISING Angela Thompson 1-800-227-8244 ext. 4242 FARM BUREAU OFFICERS President – Randy Knight Vice President – Donald Gant Vice President – Ted Kendall Vice President – Reggie Magee Treasurer – Billy Davis Corporate Secretary – Ilene Sumrall FARM BURE AU DIRECT ORS 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
1 0 MISSISSIPPI
AGRITOURISM
An agritourism business venture gives farmers an opportunity to teach consumers about their way of life while earning extra income with their farm or land. Come with us as we learn more.
2 2 SOLVE THE MYSTERY Which town is the seat of government for Lawrence County? Our mystery town celebrates its 200th anniversary this year. Read the clues and make your guess.
3 0 BATS & AGRICULTURE Mississippi is home to 15 different species of bats, all voracious insectivores. A recent study has shown that insect-eating bats are estimated to save the U.S. agricultural industry approximately $22.9 billion each year in pest-control expenses. Learn 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 6 President’s Message 8 Commodity Update: Poultry 9 Commodity Update: Corn, Wheat and Feed Grains 24 Counsel’s Corner 26 Member Benefits Spotlight
HONORARY V ICE -PRE SID ENTS 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. Design: Coopwood Communications, Inc.
About the cover Nothing says fall like a field of bright orange pumpkins. Quite a few Mississippi agritourism operations offer pumpkin patches and other activities to teach kids and adults about agriculture. This photo is courtesy of MSU Office of Ag Communications/Kat Lawrence. MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY
5