Mississippi Farm Country Vol. 94, No. 2

A PUBLICATION OF MISSISSIPPI FARM BUREAU FEDERATION VOL. 94, NO. 2 MARCH/APRIL 2018 MSFB.ORG

Best & Brightest Young Farmer Leaders

F A R M

B U R E A U:

M A K I N G

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D I F F E R E N C E

Collegiate Discussion Meet B Y G LY N D A P H I L L I P S

Karli Stringer, 19, of Sumrall won the 2017 Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Collegiate Discussion Meet held this fall at Mississippi State University (MSU). Karli is an MSU sophomore majoring in communications with a public relations emphasis. She aspires to teach others how to grow their own food and become self-sustaining. She is especially interested in working with people in other countries.

Gayle Fortenberry, a project manager with the MSU Research & Curriculum Unit, mentioned the MFBF Collegiate Discussion Meet to Karli and encouraged her to enter.

“I really needed the encouragement, because I didn’t have enough faith in my ability to accomplish much in the competition,” Karli said. “Gayle convinced me to just try. She devoted time to teaching me the basics of the competition and helped me study for it. She answered any questions that gave me difficulty.”

Twelve students participated in 2017, and Karli says they were all extremely strong competitors.

“I’m a former state FFA officer who loves agriculture, but I didn’t grow up on a farm,” she said. “In order to keep up with some of the other contestants with agricultural backgrounds, I had to learn about a lot of different topics, including the many issues farmers deal with both domestically and internationally.”

Karli says the contest gave her an excellent overview of our agriculture industry, and helped her become better acquainted with Farm Bureau.

“Farm Bureau is an incredible organization that stands out from the others in the state and nation through its contributions to agriculturists,” she said. “Through the years, I’ve witnessed firsthand that Farm Bureau always strives to be a helping hand to people, young and old, who need support.”

Karli especially admires MFBF President Mike McCormick and his support of young people who want to farm or work in jobs that support the farming industry.

“I’m impressed that he is encouraging more young farmers to become active in Farm Bureau,” she said. “If an organization is to remain strong and relevant, young people must be trained to assume leadership roles within it. Farm Bureau trains young farmer leaders through the knowledge of the elders, and there is no age divide. The farmers who are older than me encourage me and see my potential. They don’t view me as being a child who is trying to ruin the organization.”

As the MFBF Collegiate Discussion Meet winner, Karli received a $2,000 scholarship. Each finalist in the final-four round received a $500 scholarship. Karli also received a Yeti cooler from the Mississippi Farm Bureau Insurance Company Sales Department. FB

For more information about this competition, contact MFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Coordinator Samantha Laird at (601) 573-7913.

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C O N T E N T S VOLUME 94 NUMBER 2 MARCH/APRIL 2018

FEATURES

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

YOUNG FARMERS Mississippi is home to some of the best and brightest young farmer leaders in the nation. In this issue, we visit with several of these exceptional men and women.

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 ADVERTISING Angela Ellis 1-800-227-8244 ext. 4242 aellis@msfb.org

FARM BUREAU OFFICERS President – Mike McCormick Vice President (North) – Donald Gant Vice President (Central) – Ted Kendall IV Vice President (South) – Reggie Magee Corporate Secretary – Kent Bloodworth Treasurer – Billy Davis FARM BUREAU DIRECTORS Jim Perkins, Tishomingo Mike Graves, Tippah B.A. Teague, Union Preston Arrington, Sunflower Mike Ferguson, Tate Neal Huskison, Pontotoc Jeffrey Tabb, Webster Joe Huerkamp, Noxubee Terry Wynne, Holmes James Rasberry, Attala Doug Wilkerson, Kemper Max Anderson, Newton Stanley Williams, Covington Josh Miller, Sharkey Tod Waltman, Copiah Noble Guedon, Adams Mike Keith, Lamar Larry Jefcoat, Jones Clifton Hicks, Greene Perry Meyers, Jackson Betty Mills, Montgomery William Tabb, Webster 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.

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FARM FACTS Webster County row crop and produce farmer William Tabb talks about how farmers make safety a top priority with their operations.

20 STATE CONVENTION Coverage of the 96th Annual Meeting of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation can be found throughout this issue.

DEPARTMENTS 6 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 8 NATIONAL AFFAIRS REPORT 18 NOTES FROM THE FIELD

RECIPES Enjoy the recipes from “Country Cooking, Vol. V.” Sales of this cookbook generate funds for the Ag in the Classroom program. Cookbooks are available at most county offices.

28 ABOUT THE COVER David and Rebekkah Arant of Leflore County are the state winners of the 2017 Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award. Read their story inside this issue.

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P R E S I D E N T’S

M E S S A G E

Always There I can’t remember a time in my life when Farm Bureau hasn’t been there for me. Over the course of my many years as a Jefferson County cattle and timber farmer, Farm Bureau has never let me down.

When I began serving as your president, I wanted that same type of assurance for not only today’s farmers but for Mike McCormick future generations of MissisPresident, Mississippi sippi farmers. To that end, I Farm Bureau Federation began working with volunteer leaders and staff to grow our organization so that it would continue to serve as a strong Voice of Agriculture®. We also encouraged young farmers to become more involved in Farm Bureau, even as we encouraged our older, more established leaders to become more invested in mentoring these up-and-coming leaders. It takes both types of energy to ensure that an organization like ours remains dynamic and relevant in an ever-growing, ever-changing world.

I’m happy to report we are reaching these goals more quickly than I had envisioned. Our membership has experienced steady growth each year for the past three years, and we now have some of the most dynamic, committed volunteer leaders we have ever enjoyed on both the local and state levels. I’m proud of all of these hardworking men and women, but I am especially excited about our young farmers.

This issue of our membership publication spotlights the Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) program and some of our outstanding young farmer leaders. We have worked hard to improve this program in recent years, and we are now reaping the benefits.

The YF&R contests have become a source of pride to all of us. As I write this column in late December, we are preparing to attend the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Nashville. As always, I expect our state contest winners to do well nationally. We will offer a complete recap in a later issue of our membership magazine.

Another point of pride is the State YF&R Leadership Conference, which offers young farmers access to informa-

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tive speakers, tours of interesting agricultural enterprises and an opportunity to network and make friends that will last a lifetime. This year’s conference will be held in February in Biloxi. The conference takes place after I write my column, so I will comment on it at a later date.

I hope you will encourage the young farmers in your area to become involved in our YF&R program. Farm Bureau’s future depends on them.

2017 ANNUAL MEETING

Our state convention, held in Jackson in early December, was one of the best we’ve ever had. The speakers and programs were excellent, and the attendance was strong.

I hope you had an opportunity to participate and make memories that will last a lifetime.

In the year ahead, in all that we do, let’s never forget that “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work.”

ANOTHER FARMING SEASON

By the time you read my column, spring will have arrived, bringing with it yet another growing season. In 2017, untimely rains and flooding rivers proved catastrophic for quite a few farmers, especially those of us farming in the southern areas of the state. Hopefully, everything will fall into place this year for one of our best years ever.

According to a recent report from Mississippi State University, the total estimated value of Mississippi agriculture for 2017 was $7.5 billion, helping the agriculture industry retain its prominence in the state’s overall economy. The top three agricultural commodities were poultry, with a value of $2.79 billion; forestry, with a value of $1.39 billion; and soybeans, with a value of $1.11 billion.

In closing, I invite you to read the feature article inside this issue about former state board member William Jones.

William believes in the power of dreams, as do I. Dreams inspire and motivate us. Dreams can move mountains. I know you will enjoy learning about this hardworking, dedicated Lauderdale County Farm Bureau leader.

Thank you for supporting my dreams for your organization. In the year ahead, please continue to remember me in your prayers, and as always, thanks for all that you do for Farm Bureau. FB

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Distinguished Service Award

Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) has presented its highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, to Bobby Moody of Winston County. The presentation was made during state convention activities in December. A fifth-generation farmer, Moody has operated Moody Farms since 1973 and has served on the Winston County Farm Bureau Board of Directors for 40 years, where he has served as president and vice president. He also served two terms on

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the state board of directors and served on the MFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee. Moody was a member of the Mississippi Legislature from 1984-2005. The Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor Farm Bureau bestows on an individual, and it is reserved for someone who has truly made a difference in the lives of Mississippi farmers. Moody is pictured with MFBF President Mike McCormick. FB

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS REPORT ★

BY JUSTIN FERGUSON

Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation National Affairs Coordinator & Commodity Coordinator for Major Row Crops

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Grassroots Engagement “On the Go” A Key to Ag’s Success

Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) has a long history of legislative engagement in agricultural policy in Jackson and Washington, D.C. One of the key efforts organized by Farm Bureau annually is the MFBF Member Washington D.C. Fly-In. This trip provides Farm Bureau members an opportunity to visit our nation’s capital and spend time discussing current issues with members of Congress and with government agencies that shape agricultural policy for America’s farmers and ranchers.

This past November, over 100 Mississippi farmers and ranchers participated in this unique opportunity. These men and women spent time away from their farms visiting with members of the Mississippi Congressional Delegation, as well as staff members at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. House Committee on Agriculture, U.S Senate Committee on Agriculture and the embassies of Mexico

and Ireland to discuss policy matters currently facing Mississippi agriculture.

Farm Bureau members had the unique opportunity to personally visit with U.S. Senator Roger Wicker; Brad White, Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator Thad Cochran; Congressman Mike Conaway, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee; Scott Pruitt, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); and USDA Deputy Secretary Steve Censky. Trip participants also held small group meetings with the offices of Congressmen Kelly, Thompson, Harper and Palazzo.

For agriculture to thrive, it is imperative that Mississippi farmers and ranchers participate in efforts like the Washington D.C. Fly-In in order to create and maintain that dialogue between agriculture and the policymaking bodies that influence federal policy impacting agriculture. It’s certainly key to agriculture’s success. FB

U.S. Senator Roger Wicker

Congressman Mike Conaway of Texas, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee (far right), is pictured with Congressman Trent Kelly and MFBF President Mike McCormick.

Brad White, Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator Thad Cochran

The United States Capitol

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Over 100 Mississippi farmers and ranchers participated in the MFBF Member Congressman Gregg Harper spoke to a group of his constituents.

Washington D.C. Fly-In. They are pictured at the Embassy of Ireland.

Congressman Bennie Thompson addressed a group of his constituents.

Congressman Steven Palazzo visits with Farm Bureau volunteer leaders.

Scott Pruitt, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, speaks USDA Deputy Secretary Steve Censky talked to volunteer leaders participatto a group of Farm Bureau leaders. ing in the MFBF Member Washington D.C. Fly-In.

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State Achievement Award B Y G LY N D A P H I L L I P S

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avid and Rebekkah Arant of Leflore County are the recipients of the 2017 Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Achievement Award. The announcement was made at the state YF&R conference held in Natchez earlier in the year.

The Arants were selected from among outstanding young farmers across the state. Farm Bureau sponsors the YF&R Achievement Award contest to recognize young people for high achievement in agricultural production, management and leadership.

BACK TO THE FARM

rice and 800 acres of corn. The Arants are also partners in a seed company. Their farm is over 90 years old.

David’s main crop responsibilities are working with the corn and soybean operations. He says he stays on top of the latest technologies and farming practices to ensure he is constantly updating these operations and not stuck in the same rut of “that’s what we always do.”

He also notes that his engineering background has brought a new perspective to the farm, helping his family implement significant improvements in both the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of their operation.

David and Rebekkah were living in Jackson, where David had worked as a DELTA BLUES RICE civil engineer in a private practice for six In addition to his other responsibiliyears, when they decided to move to the ties, David runs Delta Blues Rice, an artiDelta to become involved in his family’s sanal rice milling operation that is owned row crop operation. That was five years by all three men. He participates in every ago, and the Arants couldn’t be happier In 2017, in Leflore and Sunflower counties, David, step, from harvesting to milling, packagwith their decision. Although she did his father and his uncle grew some 1,650 acres ing and marketing. not grow up on a farm, Rebekkah says Rebekkah develops recipes and helps of soybeans, 1,400 acres of rice and 800 acres come up with ideas to market the prodshe has grown to love agriculture and is passionate about advocating for farm- of corn. The Arants are also partners in a seed ucts. She conducts sales calls and works ing. She and David believe a farm offers with David to expand product reach. She company. Their farm is over 90 years old. a great lifestyle and a wonderful place to writes articles and blog posts to promote raise their three sons. the business and agriculture. She edits In 2017, in Leflore and Sunflower counties, David, his father emails, promotional materials and product labels. Rebekkah uses and his uncle grew some 1,650 acres of soybeans, 1,400 acres of her unique voice and perspective to connect with customers of

As state Achievement Award winners, the Arants receive 250 hours use of a David and Rebekkah Arant, state Achievement Award winners, received a new Kubota tractor of their choice, sponsored by Kubota Tractor. Making the pre- Ford F-150, sponsored by Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company. sentation is Terry Allen.

Making the presentation is Jack Williams.

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“One of our goals in returning to the farm was to add value to the operation in a new way. We loved visiting farmers markets and farm-totable restaurants while living in the city, so we began to brainstorm ways that our farm could have a more personal connection with the larger community. It was from this line of thought that our farm-to-table rice business, Delta Blues Rice, was born.”

— DAVID ARANT Delta Blues Rice through her writing and through talking to them kah served on the State YF&R Committee, where he served a term at demos and food events. as chair. As YF&R chair, David sat on the MFBF Board of Direc“One of our goals in returning to the farm was to add value to tors and served on the MFBF Executive Committee. He has also the operation in a new way,” David said. “We loved visiting farm- served on the MFBF Water Resources Committee, the MFBF Rice ers markets and farm-to-table restaurants while living in the city, Advisory Committee, the MFBF Long-Range Planning Commitso we began to brainstorm ways that our farm could have a more tee, the MFBF Finance Committee and the MFBF YF&R Advisory personal connection with the larger community. It was from this Committee. He was chair of the 2017 State Resolutions Committee. line of thought that our farm-to-table rice business, Delta Blues David is vice president of the Greenwood Farmers Club and served Rice, was born.” as a presidential appointee to Delta Council in 2015-2016. He and Growth of the company in less than three years has been Rebekkah are active in their children’s school and in their local church. phenomenal.

“In the first two years, we experienced a 300 percent sales growth As this year’s state Achievement Award winners, the Arants and added 150 retail locations and numerous restaurants,” he said. received the following prize package: “This year, we had another 110 percent growth and added more retail • 2017 Ford F-150 truck, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau locations, restaurants and distributors.

Casualty Insurance Company. (Each regional winner was “We have our products in Whole Foods Market, Kroger and Rouses presented $500 from SFBCIC, and each regional winner was grocery stores. Our products received national recognition through presented $500 from Southern AgCredit.) awards from both Southern Living and Garden & Gun magazines.” • 250 hours use of a Kubota tractor of their choice, courtesy of Kubota.

FARM BUREAU • 100 hours use of a John Deere tractor of their choice, courtesy David and Rebekkah take time from their busy farming sched- of John Deere. ule for volunteer work with Farm Bureau. David’s father and uncle • $1,800 toward the purchase of technological improvement to have long been involved in the organization, and his grandfather, the farm, courtesy of MFBF. Hugh Arant, served as state Farm Bureau president for 16 years, • $500 cash prize, courtesy of Watson Quality Ford from 1972 to 1988.

• Expense-paid trip to compete in the American Farm Bureau David serves on the county board of directors. He and Rebek- Federation Achievement Award competition. FB For more information about the YF&R program, contact YF&R Coordinator Samantha Laird at (601) 573-7913.

As state Achievement Award winners, the Arants receive 100 hours use of a John David and Rebekkah Arant, as state Achievement Award winners, received $500 Deere tractor, sponsored by John Deere. Making the presentation is Scott Walker. from Watson Quality Ford. Making the presentation is India Munn.

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Discussion Meet Winner

Cobie Rutherford of Oktibbeha County is the 2017 State Discussion Meet winner. Cobie is an Extension instructor at Mississippi State University. As state Discussion Meet winner, he received a four-wheeler, compliments of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company; $500, compliments of Southern AgCredit; $500, compli-

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ments of Watson Quality Ford, and an expense-paid trip to compete in the national Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet. Southern Ag Credit gave each contestant $100 and each finalist $250 in the state competition. Cobie is pictured with Randy Johns, Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company. FB

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“The public’s perception of agriculture is sometimes good, sometimes bad and sometimes a complete misconception. I talk to my students about these misconceptions and set the record straight.”

AUSTIN SMITH

Austin was named a top 10 finalist in national Excellence in Agriculture competition.

Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company awarded $1,000 to the winner of Southern AgCredit presented the Excellence in Agriculture winner with a zero-turn the state Excellence in Agriculture contest. Making the presentation to Austin Smith lawnmower. Making the presentation to Austin Smith is Lylla Joe. is Jack Williams.

Excellence in Agriculture Austin Smith of Petal received the 2017 Mississippi Farm Bureau hoping to use my experience in the classroom and my instructional Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Excellence in Agri- abilities to develop some beekeeping short courses/presentations that culture Award. Austin was recognized for his involvement in agricul- others could attend to share my knowledge of the beekeeping craft.” ture, his leadership ability and his involvement and participation in Austin serves on the board of directors of Perry County Farm Farm Bureau and his community.

Bureau and as chair of the county YF&R committee. He has served The announcement was made during the state YF&R conference on many other county Farm Bureau committees. Austin competed in early 2017. He competed with outstanding regional winners from in the final round of the state YF&R Discussion Meet in 2012. He around the state. served on the State YF&R Committee and Austin is an adjunct instructor of the YF&R Scholarship Committee; he is biology at Jones County Junior College, currently serving as the vice-chair of the where he teaches courses in general biolMFBF Honey/Apiculture Committee. ogy and microbiology and serves as a Austin served on the committee to faculty adviser. In addition, he and his develop the Mississippi Honey Bee Stewparents are partners in Smith’s Honey ardship Program and has been active in Farm in Petal. Their total managed colopromoting it. The program was develnies vary some from one year to the next, oped by Mississippi Farm Bureau Federbut their goal is to have between 1,000 ation and a number of other stakeholders. and 1,200 managed colonies each season.

Austin says he has been involved directly Austin is a certified breeder of Russian in conversations with the EPA so that the honey bees.

“I hope to one day be a fulltime beekeeper. I am also perspective of a beekeeper was heard.

In all that he does at school and in “Farm Bureau is made up of a group of hoping to use my experience in the classroom and my members his family’s beekeeping operation, Austin with a common vested interest makes a point of telling the farmer’s story. instructional abilities to develop some beekeeping in agriculture, and that is why I became “The public’s perception of agriculture short courses/presentations that others could attend involved,” he said. “I hope to help conis sometimes good, sometimes bad and tinually build and develop Perry County to share my knowledge of the beekeeping craft.” Farm sometimes a complete misconception,” Bureau. I want to reach out to — AUSTIN SMITH he said. “I talk to my students about these uninvolved members in the county and misconceptions and set the record straight. With our beekeeping get them involved in the resolution process and abundance of availbusiness, we occasionally set up at various festivals to sell honey and able beneficial information and resources.” other value-added products of the hive (i.e., beeswax candles, balms, Austin is involved in the Mississippi Beekeepers Association. In etc.). At these events, I like to talk to customers about bees; honey 2016, he completed his term as the association’s president. He is a and its benefits; and commercial beekeeping. member of the legislative and resolutions committees and contin“It has always been my goal to correct misconceptions in a positive ues to help with the needs of the association. He also serves on the way. Additionally, I have given presentations to garden clubs; various executive board of the Russian Honey Bee Breeders Association and local service organizations; and some school groups about bees, their intends to work for the continual promotion and improvement of impact in nature, flora important to them, and the importance, bene- Russian honey bees. fits and impacts of commercial beekeeping to the U.S. honey industry.”

As the state Excellence in Agriculture winner, he receives the folLooking to the future, Austin and his family hope to increase lowing prize package: their number of managed colonies to around 1,500-1,600. In addi• Zero-turn lawnmower, courtesy of Southern AgCredit tion, they want to increase retail honey sales and increase sales of nucs • $1,000, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Casualty and queens. They are also currently looking to expand their polli Insurance Company nation services. Austin says they also hope to increase production • Expense-paid trip to compete in the American Farm Bureau of some value-added products in the form of more beeswax candles Excellence in Agriculture Contest. and/or creamed honey.

Each regional Excellence in Agriculture winner received a Yeti Sometime in the future, Austin says he would enjoy working as cooler from the Mississippi Farm Bureau Insurance Company Sales a fulltime beekeeper.

Department. Each regional winner received $500 from Southern “While I certainly do love the classroom, I find myself consid- Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company. erably less stressed and more satisfied when I’m working with the For more information about the YF&R program, contact coorbees,” he said. “I hope to one day be a fulltime beekeeper. I am also dinator Samantha Laird at (601) 573-7913. FB MARCH/APRIL 2018

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FarmFacts: S T R A I G H T F R O M A M I S S I S S I P P I FA R M E R

Keeping Farming Safe

by Jessica Smith Mississippi State University Agricultural & Extension Education Graduate Assistant

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n the agriculture industry, advancements in science and technology have improved efficiency on the farm. Better management practices, modern equipment and refined agrichemicals allow farmers to increase their yields while keeping the consumer and the environment in mind.

For longtime row crop farmer Billy Tabb, safety is key on his operation.

“If farmers want people to trust the food we grow for consumption, they need to know we’re being responsible with the products and chemicals we may use,” Tabb said. “This is food we’re talking about, and it’s important that my employees and I make safety a top priority.”

Located in north central Mississippi, Tabb’s farmland covers about 4,000 acres in five different counties. Since 2003, Tabb has grown a variety of crops, including cotton, corn, soybeans, wheat, peanuts, milo and produce. In addition, he harvests a portion of his land for timber and leases some pastureland.

On a farm of this size and scale, Tabb handles chemicals daily.

“To cut down on liability and safety issues, I’m the one handling and applying the chemicals 90 percent of the time,” he 16

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said. “My fulltime employees still complete their courses and test for their pesticide applicator’s certification, and I make sure they fully understand how to properly read labels, how to safely manage chemicals and how the personal protective equipment works.”

Issued through the Mississippi Department of Agriculture Bureau of Plant Industry, Pesticide Applicator Certification is a legal requirement for people using pesticides. Producers using such chemicals are required to be licensed by both state and federal regulations.

“When you’re involved in agriculture and natural resources and handling chemicals of any sort, it’s imperative you use the proper channels to become certified and always use extreme caution,” Tabb said. “We’re all human, so it’s important to keep your own safety in mind, as well as those consuming the products we cultivate.”

One practice Tabb firmly enforces on his farm is keeping his equipment up to date. With the use of respirators and carbon filters, spraying is less harmful to the farmer. Tabb is also constantly trading and upgrading his spraying equipment to ensure good ventilation is in place.

“Farming has definitely come a long way,” he explained. “Now, our GPS technology helps prevent over spraying, meaning less unnecessary chemicals are being applied to crops. Sure, that saves us money, but it’s a safer way of applying pesticides.”

Another aspect of change in production agriculture is seed biotechnology.

“From the time my father and grandfather were farming until now, I have seen a significant decrease in the amount of chemicals used on crops,” Tabb said.

“With researchers being able to develop seeds that are immune to certain pests, that reduces the amount of pesticides we have to spray. Plus, we’re able to produce twice the amount of yield on the same plot of land as in previous decades, so fewer chemicals are being used in that aspect, as well.”

Even though chemical safety has made great strides in terms of awareness and management, Tabb said he feels an area of improvement regarding chemical safety would be the chemical container disposal process.

“As of right now, it’s up to the farmer to properly dispose of empty chemical MARCH/APRIL 2018

Billy Tabb

“What the public should understand is that producing food and fiber is our job and our livelihood, so we take it very seri­ously. We have been trained in all aspects of our job, and consumers should have the utmost confidence that we are being conscientious and safe.”

— Billy Tabb containers,” he explained. “It would be helpful to have a program in place to aid farmers in safely disposing of those bins.

I’d really like to see a recycling process set in place to make sure we’re being as environmentally friendly as possible.”

With the consumers, the environment and the general safety of himself and others in mind, Tabb said he understands the importance of raising awareness about chemical safety in production agriculture.

“What the public should understand is MARCH/APRIL 2018

that producing food and fiber is our job and our livelihood, so we take it very seriously,” Tabb said. We have been trained in all aspects of our job, and consumers should have the utmost confidence that we are being conscientious and safe.”

As a farmer, Tabb said he feels strongly about advocating for the agriculture and natural resources industries.

“We have an ever-growing population that we have to feed,” he said. “Without the science and technology our industry has been provided, there is no way

we can produce the amount of food and fiber to sustain the world.” FB Billy and Cala Tabb of Webster County won the 2015 MFBF and 2016 AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award contests.

The Farm Families of Mississippi Agriculture Promotion Campaign was created to educate the public about the agriculture industry. For more information, contact Greg Gibson at (601) 977-4154.

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NOTES FROM THE FIELD ★

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

BY ANDY BROWN

Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Region 1 Regional Manager

Big Myths about Big Ag Get on your phone, search your favorite social media site, or even turn on Netflix, and you can quickly find something labeling today’s agriculture as corporate, factory farming or “big ag.” While I agree that farming is a business, and a big business for Mississippi (the biggest, in fact, in terms of revenue), what my eyes witness every day is far from a factory. The statistics show that 96%+ of farms are family owned, which accounts for almost 90% of value produced in U.S. agriculture.

Those statistics only grow higher for Mississippi specifically.

How do you see agriculture? If your idea of the family farm is “Little House on the Prairie” or your greatgrandfather’s pea patch you played in as a kid, then, yes, agriculture may seem a bit more corporate in 2018. But as much as it is not Laura Ingalls Wilder’s scenes, it is also not a protocol, a clock-in/clock-out job. Farming for most ag industry professionals in Mississippi is their life, lifestyle and livelihood.

‘Agriculture is their life’ is what I witness most vividly from the livestock industry. Dairy farmers, poultry producers and catfish growers rarely take vacations. These men and women (and often their children) are tending to the needs of animals first. Yes, this is all in an effort to produce a better product, but it is also to care for another living thing. Farm life is also a connection to the land.

Farm families’ lives often revolve around caring, managing and utilizing the ground they have purchased, inherited or rented. That land, those animals are a major part of their life.

‘Agriculture is their lifestyle’ is also what I witness among our Farm Bureau members. These men and women are involved in organizations like Farm Bureau and in livestock shows, rodeos, furthering their education, charitable activities and many other things that agriculture industry people do that make farming more than just their job.

Most often misunderstood by the consuming public is that ‘agriculture is a livelihood.’ While the two aforementioned pieces are important for farmers through life and lifestyle, without the ability to make a living, no farmer can sustain a long-term connection to this industry. There are numerous factors that have changed how farmers accomplish this mission in 2018, but I will highlight just a few that could be seen as corporate.

First, it is true more farmers are “incorporated” today than in the past. However, this could be said for most small businesses. With today’s complicated tax structure; liability both internally and from 18

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outside sources; and also being able to maintain structure between generations leads many small businesses to ‘incorporate.’ While praised as wise management in other industries, this has been perceived as dastardly for the farming community. While this might change a little paperwork and the title of some family farms, it is vastly still husbands and wives, sons and daughters, cousins, uncles and other family coming together to run their business.

Growth in size of farm machinery, amount of land a producer operates, and less crop diversity on each farm have also played into public perception of “big ag.” I would argue this is simply a result of tighter profit margins for most. With little change in the price received for their products over decades and with exponential growth in input costs, the amount of money one can make off of a single acre has become very thin. To make ends meet, maintain enough assets to borrow money on, and many other factors involved with the business decisions a farmer makes, the only option is to take that thin margin and multiply it over more acres. With more acres comes the need to be more efficient. More efficiency means covering more acres in less time. Result: larger equipment that specializes in certain crops across larger tracts of land. This is not greedy boards of directors dictating management decisions, rather families growing the scale of their business to meet the income needs in today’s society.

Lastly, agricultural trade and workforce often take public scrutiny.

Every farmer I work with would love to hire local and sell local; however, this is no longer a viable practice in most farming areas of the country. With more urbanization and higher efficiency in food processing, a majority of farmers now make a raw product for a global market. Not only are there not enough local consumers wanting raw goods, there are not enough willing workers to produce them.

Farmers are more frequently importing labor to export their goods as a reaction to the labor market and consumer market.

Again, this is simply what I witness in my travels and interactions with the farming community. And it is just that, a community. Over 96% of the farmers in this country are your neighbors, deacons in your church, people beside you in the grocery store. They are business owners, both large and small. As these farmers work to provide for their family’s prosperity and security, remember that by doing so, they are providing the same for our nation. FB MARCH/APRIL 2018

Farm Bureau Ambassador Rachel Peeler of New Albany was selected Farm Bureau Ambassador for 2018. During the coming year, she will serve as a spokesperson for Farm Bureau and agriculture at meetings and events around the state. As Farm Bureau Ambassador, she will receive a $4,000 scholarship.

The Mississippi State University senior, who wants to attend vet school at MSU, is majoring in animal and dairy sciences. She is the daughter of David and Sharon Peeler of New Albany.

The Farm Bureau Ambassador program is sponsored annually by the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Women’s Programs. For more information, contact MFBF Women’s Programs and Ag in the Classroom Coordinator Clara Bilbo at (601) 977-4245.

Rachel is pictured with State Women’s Committee Chair Betty Mills and MFBF President Mike McCormick. FB

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Catfish Almondine

Spiced-Up Pimento Cheese

Potato Soup

1 lb. catfish fillets ½ stick margarine 1 sm. bag slivered almonds Lemons Salt 1 egg, beaten 1 c. flour

2 (8-oz.) blocks extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 1 (8-oz.) block Monterey Jack cheese with peppers, shredded 1 c. Hellmann’s mayonnaise 1 (4.5-oz.) can chopped green chilies 1 (4-oz.) jar diced pimento, drained 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

8-10 potatoes 2 cans cream of celery soup 1 pt. half and half 10 oz. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded 3 cans chicken broth 1 can cream of onion soup Green onions, chopped Bacon bits

Stir together all ingredients in a large bowl.

Chill. Yields 6 cups.

Peel and cut potatoes and cook in 3 cans of chicken broth. Add 2 cans cream of celery soup and sir. Add cream of onion soup, half and half, and then add cheese. Stir until well blended and cheese has melted and blended in. Garnish with bacon bits and chopped green onions.

Rinse fish in cold water; salt and coat with beaten egg. Dust generously with flour. Melt butter over medium heat. Fry fish in butter.

Sprinkle almonds around outside of fillets to brown. Fish is done when golden brown on both sides. Approximately 6 minutes on each side. Serve with almonds drizzled over fish and lemon wedges. Serves 4.

Carolyn Turner Jones County

Deniese Swindoll DeSoto County

Deniese Swindoll DeSoto County

COUNTRY COOKING, VOLUME V: These recipes are from “Country Cooking, Volume V,” available at most county offices. The cost is $20.

If you order a cookbook from the state office, you will pay $20 plus postage. For more information, contact Pam Jones at (601) 977-4854.

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Friend of Agriculture

House Speaker Philip Gunn was presented the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Friend of Agriculture Award for his support of Mississippi agriculture and rural communities. He has served in the Mississippi Legislature, representing District 56, since 2004. During his time as a legislator, Speaker Gunn has supported several key pieces of legislation of benefit to agriculture, including House Bill 1340, which reduces the cap on agricultural use value.

County tax assessors use this value to determine what the property taxes should be on agricultural land. Speaker Gunn is pictured with MFBF President Mike McCormick. FB

CALENDAR of EVENTS

FEB. 28 Ag Day at the Capitol Jackson MARCH 13 Women’s Day at the Capitol

Ronald McDonald

Jackson APRIL 12 Magnolia Beef & Poultry Expo Raleigh APRIL 5-6

Women’s Leadership Conference Natchez

APRIL 24-25

Secretaries’ Conference Table 100, Flowood

MAY 15

Deadline for Teacher/Volunteer AITC Workshops

Scholarships Deadline

JUNE 1

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“We dreamed of owning a tractor. Back then, we were plowing with mules, and I was plowing barefoot. We dreamed of owning neighboring land that had a better water supply on it. I had to re-dig water holes with shovels each day that overnight would fill up with sand.”

— WILLIAM JONES

O R F E D W R O E P A M E H S T B Y G LY N D A P H I L L I P S

When 70-year-old William Jones of Meridian was growing up on a farm in rural Kemper County, he and his father shared their dreams.

“We would talk about them as we worked,” he said with a smile. “We dreamed of owning a tractor. Back then, we were plowing with mules, and I was plowing barefoot. We dreamed of owning neighboring land that had a better water supply on it. I had to re-dig water holes with shovels each day that overnight would fill up with sand.”

The dream of helping his parents get out of debt because they kept long tabs at local stores drove William to accomplish each day’s work.

“I didn’t dream about toys like my friends,” he added.

“My dreams were serious dreams for a kid, because we didn’t have anything when I was growing up. We would go for months without money coming in, and Daddy would sell a yearling that was too young and wasn’t ready to be sold, just so we would have a little income.”

The dreams he and his father shared stayed with William, the youngest of five children, into adulthood. Just as soon as he was able, he began working to make sure those dreams came true.

HARD WORK

As an adult, William juggled multiple jobs and slept very little for several years.

“I worked overtime with my regular jobs, plus I hauled short pulpwood for 42 years,” he said. “My wife, Rachel, was a teacher. She did without and sacrificed along with me so we could save money.”

William was employed in banking for seven years. He worked for an insurance company for 12 years and for a Meridian hospital for 21 years. All of these jobs involved computer maintenance and data programming skills, which he says he learned at Florida Technical College in Tampa, Florida.

“When I could, I began buying cutover timberland in Kemper and Lauderdale counties to accumulate dirt so that one day I would have big trees,” he said. “I now own approximately 1,300 acres of mixed timber. I believe in natural forestland as opposed to pine plantations. I am at a point where I can have a nice crop of timber harvested every year, and that is my retirement.”

Along the way, William bought his first tractor. He bought his neighbor’s land with a better supply of water on it. He paid off his parents’ debts and helped them manage money. For the first time in their lives, they had money to manage. William made sure of it.

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Through the years, whenever he could get a good deal on them, William would buy tractors of different makes and models. He says every time he would buy a new tractor, he would think of his father and their dreams.

He also has a collection of antique farm equipment, including two old-time sugar cane mills for making syrup.

William wrote a leaflet in 1998 about how to raise your children to achieve their dreams. If you get a chance, ask him about it.

BIG OAK TREE

There’s a white oak tree growing on William Jones’ old home place that is as big as some of those seemingly impossible dreams William and his father shared so many years ago.

“This tree was this size when I was small, so it has grown slowly, and there is no telling how old it is,” William said, standing beneath the wide-spreading branches and looking up toward a treetop he can’t see from the ground. “It was here when my ancestors farmed this land many years ago.”

After this interview, William asked forester Todd Matthews with the Mississippi Forestry Commission to take samples from the tree and try and figure out its age. Matthews says the tree is estimated to be between 200 and 250 years old. The tree is over 93 feet tall with a 100-foot crown spread and is about 53.1 inches in diameter.

FARM BUREAU

William has been an active Farm Bureau volunteer leader for many years.

“My heart is in the land, and my interest is timberland,” William said. “Farm Bureau is part of that.”

Farm Bureau is also the result of a dream a group of farmers had many years ago, and you know how William Jones feels about dreams.

William has served as president of Lauderdale County Farm Bureau for close to 20 years. He also served for three terms on the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors.

William and his wife, Rachel, are members of Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Church, where he is an ordained deacon and she is a Sunday school teacher. He is a soil and water commissioner for Lauderdale County and a member of the local forestry association.

William and Rachel have two sons. Jason is a preacher, and Michael is an operations manager for FedEx. They also have five grandchildren. FB MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

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DEDICATED FARM

“Farm Bureau is supportive of all farmers. It doesn’t matter how large or small an operation you have, Farm Bureau works with you. Farmers can’t do without its support.”

— Kenneth Loggins

BUREAU LEADERS B Y G LY N D A P H I L L I P S

Kenneth and Terry Loggins of Kilmichael are dedicated Farm “My dad, Cain, started farming in 1952. My grandfather, CharBureau volunteer leaders. The Montgomery County cattle and lie P. Loggins, farmed before him,” Kenneth said. “My dad had timber farmers always take time from their busy schedules to sup- cotton, corn, hogs and cucumbers, and raised mostly Angus cattle. port Farm Bureau’s programs and activities.

“When I took over in 1983, I changed to Charolais cattle and “Farm Bureau is a wonderful organization. I joined because my ran mostly registered Charolais before I began using cross cattle father and mother joined many years ago, and with them six years ago,” he said. “When I my association with Farm Bureau has always been started out, I told Dad I wanted to grow cotton a pleasure,” Kenneth said. “As a volunteer leader, like he did when I was growing up. He told me I am always learning new and different things.” not to grow cotton because it was not very profKenneth says he highly recommends that itable on a smaller scale. My dad always said to every farmer become involved in Farm Bureau. give whatever you do in life your best effort, “Farm Bureau is supportive of all farmers,” and I have tried to remember to do that in all “I am looking toward he said. “It doesn’t matter how large or small an of my endeavors. the future with a heart operation you have, Farm Bureau works with In 2010, Kenneth and his son, Kenneth C., you. Farmers can’t do without its support.” started Loggins Trucking. The business, which full of gratitude for Kenneth began serving on the Montgomwas in operation for five years, closed after Kenthe life I have had.” ery County Farm Bureau Board of Directors in neth C. passed away.

1995 and currently serves as the county vice presLast year, Kenneth sold a little over half of — Kenneth Loggins ident. He says he and Terry are actively involved his cattle because he planned to have back surin Farm Bureau on the local level and make a point of attending gery and felt he couldn’t tend to a large herd. every state convention.

“I have 28 head of cattle now, but I have had as many as 45 “We enjoy visiting with friends and attending the different ses- head. I can see myself building my herd back up now that I have sions,” he said. “We learn a lot.” recovered from the surgery,” he said. “So, we will see what happens.”

Kenneth has enjoyed his farming career immensely and looks THIRD-GENERATION FARMER forward to the years ahead of him.

A third-generation farmer, Kenneth had been working in Gre“I am looking toward the future with a heart full of gratitude nada for many years and farming part-time when he decided to for the life I have had,” he said. “I hope my grandson, Aiden, will leave his public job and pursue fulltime farming. Terry has worked want to take over the farm one day. He has shown a real interest for 30 years at the Walmart in Winona. She says she loves people in farming.” and enjoys working with the public.

Kenneth and Terry also have one granddaughter, Aubrey Grace.

“I grew up on a farm, and I love farming,” she said. “But I also enjoy my job in town. The people I work with are wonderful, and GIVING BACK I have made many lasting friendships over the years.”

Kenneth and Terry believe in giving back to a community Kenneth says he had to have a wife who loved farming or he that has been good to them. They are members of Springhill M.B. couldn’t have made it in the farming business. Most farmers will Church, where Kenneth is a deacon. agree that farming is always a gamble.

“We are praying people, and we believe in serving the church,” “You must learn how to manage your money around the bad he said. “It is what sustains us through the hard times.” years,” he said. “Several years ago, cattle were at least $3 a pound, Kenneth is also vice president of the Farm Service Agency’s and as a cattle farmer, I knew it would not stay this way forever. county committee, a board member of Hayes Creek Water AssoYou have to put back during those hard times.” ciation, and treasurer for the developing Lodi-Minerva Volunteer Kenneth’s operation includes cattle, timber, and hay. Some Fire Department. years, he grows corn. Every year, the Loggins grow a garden and Kenneth and Terry have two sons, Marcus Cain and the late store vegetables.

Kenneth C., as well as one daughter, Santanna Marie Ward. FB MARCH/APRIL 2018

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Excellence in Leadership Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) presented its Excellence in Leadership Award to Roy Doss. The presentation was made during state convention activities in December. Doss served as assistant county agent in Tishomingo County for eight years and as an area Extension agent in Monroe County for 22 years. Upon retirement, he was involved with the Boll Weevil Eradication Program in Mississippi. He served Farm Bureau for 60 years. He was a member of the Monroe County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, where he served as an officer, helping that program to grow and strengthen. He received the Distinguished Service Award with the Extension Service. FB

The Excellence in Leadership Award was established to recognize those Farm Bureau volunteer leaders who have made a significant contribution to Farm Bureau and agriculture in Mississippi. Their contributions have been performed as a result of an unselfish effort to strengthen Farm Bureau and to enhance rural life in Mississippi.

Tabb to Chair State YF&R Committee

Webster County row crop and produce farmer William Tabb has been elected by his peers to chair the 2018 State Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee. He will also serve as the young farmer representative on the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Board of Directors and will serve on the MFBF Executive Committee.

William and his wife, Cala, were state and national Achievement Award winners in 2015 and 2016, respectively. They have three sons and one daughter. FB 26

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See Page 4 for Member Benefits!

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2017 State Convention

The coveted President’s Award went to Jones County Farm Bureau for having The 2017 Women’s Outstanding Achievement Awards went to Marion County the most outstanding county program in the state. for Youth Safety; Itawamba County for Community Service; Forrest County for Agriculture in the Classroom; and Jackson County for Information, Organization and Government Relations.

Outstanding county Farm Bureau programs in each region include: Bolivar County in Region 1; Tishomingo County in Region 2; Montgomery County in Region 3; Webster County in Region 4; Simpson County in Region 5; Jones County in Region 6; Lincoln County in Region 7; and Perry County in Region 8.

Outstanding County Women’s Programs include: Dist. 1 – DeSoto County; Dist. 2 - Benton County; Dist. 3 - Simpson County; Dist. 4 - Clay County; Dist. 5 - Lawrence County; Dist. 6 - Leake County; Dist. 7 - Stone County; and Dist. 8 - Humphreys County.

Monroe County Farm Bureau received the J. K. Simpson Memorial Award Grenada County Farm Bureau received the Gary Chittom First Quota County as the county with the highest numerical membership gain over last year by Memorial Award for counties with 1750 members and above. this convention.

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2017 State Convention

Wilkinson County Farm Bureau received the Gary Chittom First Quota The Young Farmers & Ranchers Silent Auction was a big success this year.

County Memorial Award for counties with less than 1,750 members.

Rankin County Farm Bureau received the Mike Blankenship Outstanding Simpson County Farm Bureau received the Mike Blankenship Outstanding County Safety Award for Central Mississippi.

County Safety Award for South Mississippi.

Panola County Farm Bureau and Calhoun County Farm Bureau received the Clyde Ray Webber Jr. of Vidalia, Louisiana, addressed the County Awards Mike Blankenship Outstanding County Safety Award for North Mississippi. and Recognition Program. Webber, who has borne the titles of preacher, politician and public servant, is best known for the humor he brings to his speaking engagements.

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2017 State Convention

Mississippi Pennies donations went to The Little Light House in Jackson, a tuition-free developmental center for children with special needs. Executive Director Fran Patterson is pictured with members of the State Women’s Committee.

A donation was made to The Mustard Seed of Brandon, a Christian community for adults with developmental disabilities. Executive Director Del Harrington is pictured with members of the State Women’s Committee and American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee Chair Sherry Saylor.

Former Farm Bureau Ambassador Beth Tillman of Yalobusha County enjoyed MFBF President Mike McCormick is pictured with Congressmen Trent Kelly the Ag in the Classroom Roundtable held during convention. and Gregg Harper.

Farm Woman of the Year Marlo Beason of Neshoba County is pictured with The state FFA officers were responsible for the posting of the colors ceremony members of the State Women’s Committee and Lylla Joe with Southern Ag during the opening general session on Saturday.

Credit. She received $500 from the MFBF Women’s Programs and $500 from Southern AgCredit.

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2017 State Convention

Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves spoke at convention.

Mississippi Agriculture Commissioner Cindy Hyde-Smith was also a convention speaker.

The General Store, sponsored by the MFBF Women’s Programs, enjoyed excel- Retiring from the State Women’s Committee are Kay Perkins, Dist. 2 Women’s lent participation this year.

Chair; Jody Bailey, Dist. 4 Women’s Chair, and (not pictured) Joan Thompson, District 6 Women’s Chair. County retirees (not pictured) are Charlene Smith and Melba Smith of Pearl River County and Jo Brister of Warren County.

The Ag in the Classroom Roundtable is always popular.

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Innovative bluegrass band Breaking Grass led the Worship Service.

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2017 State Convention

First Lieutenant Clebe McClary, retired United States Marine Corps, was con- The annual Young Farmers & Ranchers Live Auction was a great success. vention keynote speaker. Seriously wounded in Vietnam, he faced a long recovery with characteristic determination and has become a symbol of courage and hope to the many audiences around the world with whom he has shared his story.

Re-elected as chair and vice chair of the State Women’s Committee were Betty Mills and Shelby Williams, respectively, and Dist. 8 Women’s Chair Wanda Hill.

Newly elected were Dist. 2 Women’s Chair Carla Taylor of Prentiss County; Dist. 4 Women’s Chair Joanie Word of Monroe County; and Dist. 6 WomAmerican Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee Chair Sherry Saylor, en’s Chair Marlo Beason of Neshoba County. Other committee members an Arizona farmer, gave a well-received motivational address at the annual include Dist. 1 Women’s Chair Deniese Swin­doll; Dist. 3 Women’s Chair Peggy McKey; Dist. 5 Women’s Chair Betty Edwards; and Dist. 7 Women’s Chair Women’s Breakfast held Sunday morning.

Renee Keith.

Gospel quartet Zion’s Way performed during the President’s Reception and Chef Matthew Kajdan, Executive Chef of the Westin Jackson, presented the presented the devotional at the Sunday evening general session. popular Farm-to-Table cooking demonstration.

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Ag Mags Available

The Ag Mag children’s newsletter pictured here features land and water. You can order Ag Mags for your local classroom or ag promotion events from our Ag in the Classroom program.

Dairy, corn, poultry, horticulture, cotton, peanut, honey bee, soil, beef and soybean editions are also available.

Contact Pam Jones at: pjones@msfb.org or (601) 977-4854 34

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See Page 4 for Member Benefits!

MARCH/APRIL 2018

Ag Book of the Year The 2018 Ag Book of the Year is “First Peas to the Table” by Susan Grigsby, illustrated

by Nicole Tadgell.

Thomas Jefferson loved to garden. In the spring, he and his neighbors competed to see whose peas would be ready to eat first. Two hundred years later, Maya’s class is having its own First Peas to the Table garden contest. Will a secret tip from Thomas Jefferson help Maya win?

This lighthearted classroom story presents scientific and historical information and appealing watercolors with botanical accuracy sure to delight gardeners of any age!

“First Peas to the Table” sells for $10 and includes a teacher’s guide. To order, call Pam Jones at (601) 977-4854.

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