Mississippi Farm Country, Vol. 94, No. 5

A PUBLICATION OF MISSISSIPPI FARM BUREAU FEDERATION VOL. 94, NO. 5 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 MSFB.ORG

A Tradition of Producing Leaders

F A C E S

O F

F A R M

B U R E A U

A Lifetime of Farm Life B Y G LY N D A P H I L L I P S

Kathryn Arant, 90, has lived on a farm her entire life.

“I was born right here in Leflore County,” she said, proudly showing me the flat green row crop fields that are farmed today by her sons and grandson. Additionally, the Arant family farms land in Sunflower County. Kathryn’s husband, Hugh M. Arant, a Delta farmer and former Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation president, passed away in 1995.

50 years old when Hugh was elected the sixth president of Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, a position he held from 1972-1988. Hugh had earlier served as a representative in the Mississippi Legislature.

During Hugh Arant’s time in office, the Federation built its present headquarters building on I-55 North. The Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance building was built on I-220. Mississippi Farm Bureau reached its 100,000 membership goal and approached its 150,000 membership goal, added programs and saw the insurance THE FARM services expand. During those years, most county Farm Bureaus Kathryn had graduated from Millsaps College and was work- came to occupy their own offices. Soon, the counties would be coning with the State Tax Commission in Jackson when she and Hugh nected to the state office via computers. Work on the 1985 Farm married.

Bill was begun in 1984.

“My husband wasn’t thinking about farming when he gradu“We enjoyed our time with Farm Bureau and made good friends ated from Mississippi State University, but he soon changed his across the state and nation,” Kathryn said. “I keep up with many of mind,” she said. “My dad was ready to divide his land here in those wonderful people still today.”

Leflore County between my brother and me, and I got 300 acres Kathryn and Hugh’s children have been active in Farm Bureau of it. That got us started.” on the county and state levels for many years. Hugh Jr. served as Kathryn says she and her husband lived for a time in a tiny shot- president of Leflore County Farm Bureau and recently chaired the gun house but saved their money to build a bigger house, which Farm Families of Mississippi Steering Committee. she still lives in today.

Last year, Kathryn’s grandson, David Jr., and his wife, Rebekkah, “We built our home in a bean field over the course of five years,” were named state Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Achieveshe said. “By then, we had begun our family, which would soon ment Award winners. David Jr. has also chaired the YF&R State include Hugh Jr., Allyson and David.”

Committee. In that capacity, he sat on the state board of directors.

Through the years, Arant Farms has grown to include several thousand acres of rice, soybeans and corn. The family also oper- A GOOD LIFE ates an artisanal rice milling business, Delta Blues Rice, and a “It’s been a good life,” Kathryn said. “A farm is a wonderful way seed company. Delta Blues Rice grows, mills, packages and mar- to make a living and a great place to raise your children. I’m happy kets the Arants’ own rice products. For more information, visit to have spent most of my life here.” www.deltabluesrice.org.

Kathryn has six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, with one more great-grandchild due in August.

FARM BUREAU She is active in her church and community and is the pianist and The children were grown and Hugh and Kathryn were both about choir director at Ruleville United Methodist Church. FB SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

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C O N T E N T S VOLUME 94 NUMBER 5 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

FEATURES

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

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SUMMER INTERN 2018 MFBF Summer Intern Alyssa Hutcheson writes about her experiences learning about Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation and state agriculture.

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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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.

22 AITC WORKSHOPS & YF&R GOLF TOURNAMENT Photo coverage of the 2018 Ag in the Classroom Teacher Workshops and the 2018 Gary Langley Memorial Golf Tournament can be found inside this issue.

DEPARTMENTS 3 6 18 20

FACES OF FARM BUREAU PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE NOTES FROM THE FIELD MEMBER BENEFITS UPDATE

TEACHER OF THE YEAR 2018 MFBF Teacher of the Year Heather Giger is on a mission to teach kids to appreciate agriculture. Read her story inside this issue.

26 & 28 ABOUT THE COVER Delta row crop farmer and longtime Farm Bureau volunteer leader Bill Ryan Tabb talks about Bolivar County Farm Bureau’s tradition, working with the MFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers program, of producing dynamic and engaged farm leaders.

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

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P R E S I D E N T’S

M E S S A G E

Building Something Important Lately, we’ve been holding state convention planning meetings to prepare for our annual membership meeting in December. The theme this year is “Many Hands – One Voice,” an apt description of how our volunteer leaders and staff work together as a team to accomplish our goals each year.

It’s hard to believe that in just a few short years, we will be observing Mike McCormick the 100th anniversary of Mississippi President, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation. This would Farm Bureau Federation not have been possible without the countless volunteer leaders and staff members who have strived through the years to ensure that our organization has remained strong and growing.

Many of you are already familiar with the history of our organization, but I’d like to share with you here some facts about the early years. You can find more information on our website at www.msfb.org.

In 1917, American farmers responded to the need for producing more farm commodities in the interest of national security associated with World War I. In 1918, the wartime demand for increased production ended, and surpluses became a real problem for the first time in the nation’s history. County agents organized car-lot shipments of livestock to markets in northern states.

In 1919, the farm dilemma was nationwide. Organizational meetings of the American Farm Bureau were held, first in New York and then in Chicago. Mississippi sent two delegates to Chicago. They were C.L. Neill and John Willis, who helped charter the American Farm Bureau Federation on November 12.

In 1922, seeing an opportunity in united effort, Neill, Willis and others set about organizing county Farm Bureaus in Mississippi. This removed county agents from the field of cooperative purchasing and marketing, a position that had met some opposition from local merchants. County agents actively supported the organizational work of county Farm Bureaus. A state federation, headed by C. L. Neill of Jones County, was chartered on October 20.

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MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

In the early years, Farm Bureau operated largely as a cooperative, making bulk purchases of seed and fertilizer for farmers and developing a cotton marketing association, which was doomed for failure after a few years. Neill believed the mistake made was a failure to charge enough for the service to farmers and therefore not generating the needed financial reserve to survive adverse conditions brought on by the Depression years.

After Farm Bureau reorganized and divided in 1936, Farm Bureau assumed the legislative burden of the farm economy, while Mississippi Federated Cooperative specialized in cooperative purchasing and marketing as a separate and independent organization. Charlie McNeill was selected to head the cooperative work.

A period of growth and success began, as more programs were added to meet the needs of our growing membership.

Today, with over 192,000 members statewide, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation is a powerful voice for state farmers and others in many arenas on both the state and national levels. As I mentioned earlier, this would not have been possible without the teamwork effort exhibited by our many volunteer leaders and staff members, both then and now.

In this issue, we catch up with Kathryn Arant, whose husband, Hugh, served as our sixth state president, from 1972 to 1988. I invite you to read her story inside.

As for the future? Here at Farm Bureau, it is our job to keep up with the demands of an ever-changing world. To that end, we have organized committees tasked with looking at key areas, ranging from leadership development and agricultural commodities to public policy issues and more. We are constantly reevaluating existing programs, even as we are surfacing new programs that better serve the needs of our members.

I’m so thankful to be a part of an organization that is devoted to building something so important. I’m also thankful I’m able to do my part to ensure that Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation continues to make a difference in the lives of our farmers and rural communities well into the future. Growing an organization like Farm Bureau requires both hard work and sacrifice.

But it is so rewarding.

I appreciate your support of my efforts more than you will ever know. As always, thanks for all you do for Farm Bureau. FB

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

Starting

The Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Agricultural Tour, which is held every two years, is set for Oct. 18-19, 2018.

Stops will be made at Bull Bottom Farms in Duck Hill, Hopson Plantation & Commissary in Clarksdale, Orchard Farms in Como, Homestead Farms Greenhouse in Coldwater, and Cedar Hill Farm in Hernando. Tour participants will also visit the Strawberry Plains Audubon Center in Holly Springs and Woodson Ridge in Oxford.

For more information, contact Dedra Luke at dluke@msfb.org or (601) 977-4169.

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MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

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“You have to be willing to open the door for your young farmers if your organization is to remain strong. Luckily, we have a lot of sharp, capable young farmers and many wise, older farmers to mentor them.”

—Bill Ryan Tabb

A Tr

adition of

Producing Leaders

B

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

olivar County Farm Bureau enjoys a tradition of producing dynamic and engaged farm leaders. Cleveland soybean and rice farmer Bill Ryan Tabb is a fine example.

Bill Ryan’s experience with Farm Bureau began through his county’s Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) program. He went on to serve as chair of the State YF&R Committee, and he and his wife, Leslie, were named state YF&R Achievement Award winners in 2006.

Bill Ryan served on the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors for many years and as a voting delegate to state convention. He has served as president of Bolivar County Farm Bureau and continues to sit on the Bolivar County Farm Bureau board. In addition, he serves as vice chair of the Mississippi Soybean Promotion Board.

“Bolivar County is great,” he said, taking the time from a very busy day on his farm to help with this article. “In my opinion, we have a standout county, and I think it goes back to the fact that we were one of the first, if not the first, county Farm Bureaus organized in the state.”

Bill Ryan says Bolivar County leaders each year encourage area young farmers to become involved in Farm Bureau. They also make sure these men and women are placed in leadership positions when they are ready.

“You have to be willing to open the door for your young farmers if your organization is to remain strong,” he said. “Luckily, we have a lot of sharp, capable young farmers and many wise, older farmers to mentor them.

“The Young Farmers & Ranchers program is such a great leadership training ground,” he added. “Not only are young farmers introduced to the Farm Bureau program, they are exposed to ag industry experts who speak at our YF&R meetings, and they are given an opportunity to network with other young farmers from across the state.”

Bill Ryan says he met many of his best friends through the YF&R program, and they aren’t all Delta row crop farmers. As a result, his appreciation for the ag industry as a whole has grown.

“Now, when I go to Washington to lobby for farmers, I think about how issues will affect Keith Morton, who grows soybeans in SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

Tippah County, or Coley Bailey, who grows cotton in Yalobusha County, or Lyle Hubbard, who grows poultry and produce in Jefferson Davis County,” he said “That’s what makes Farm Bureau such a great grassroots organization. We represent the concerns of all farmers, large and small. I have witnessed an issue voiced by a single farmer become a Farm Bureau policy and then a law. From an idea to a reality. That’s Farm Bureau.”

Bill Ryan enjoys growing the soybeans, rice, wheat and (occasionally) corn that make up the farm he operates with his father. But he also worries about the many variables that hold the potential to hurt him in any given year. With that in mind, he tightly manages his operation in case commodity prices should fall or input costs should rise or the weather should unexpectedly take a turn for the worse, to name just a few of those variables.

Bill Ryan also considers his farm to be a conservation farm and has consistently made improvements through the years so that it is environmentally friendly.

A graduate of Mississippi State University with a degree in ag business, Bill Ryan did an internship with Dr. Mark Keenum, when Keenum served as chief of staff for U.S. Senator Thad Cochran in Washington, D.C. He says he toyed with the idea of making a living in ag policy, but ultimately wanted to be his own boss. So, he returned to the farm to help his dad.

He hasn’t regretted his decision for one single moment.

“I love farming,” he said. “There’s nothing better than seeing a clean soybean field or a good-looking field of rice or corn. It’s a great feeling to know you had a hand in that.”

It is also rewarding to know that county Farm Bureaus like the one in Bolivar County, along with our YF&R program, are surfacing the agricultural leaders of today and tomorrow.

Bill Ryan is active in his community and church. He serves as president of the Bayou Academy Board of Directors and is a member of First Baptist Church of Cleveland.

His daughter, Annsley, 15, will be in the 10th grade this fall.

His son, Collins, 18, is studying pre-dentistry at Mississippi State University. FB MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

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“I love to farm. It’s a good way to make a living when you take the time to do it right.”

— Orlando Phelps

Bernice Phelps-Dobbins and Dora Phelps

HELPING SMALL FARMERS

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

Phelps Family Farm of Hermanville and two other area farms have served as the sites of workshops organized by

Orlando Phelps, Clifton E. Peters and James Bunch, retired United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) employees, to help small limited resource farmers succeed with their operations.

“We enjoyed working with the USDA, and this was our opportunity to give something back,” Orlando said. “We wrote a project grant through the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to help us put together some Small Farm Outdoor Demonstration Workshops, where we have exposed farmers to different programs and explained the importance of building relationships with agencies that can help them with their farming operation. Alcorn State University has been out here to help with these workshops. The current project focus is on Adams, Warren, Claiborne, Copiah, Jefferson and Wilkinson counties.

“Our goal is to follow the Five Pillars of Outreach, by making farmers aware of USDA programs and services; educating them about the programs and services; helping farmers access programs and services; and following up to ensure that the programs they have received work for them. We want to change any negative perceptions that farmers might have about USDA and let them know that USDA is there to help them.”

The workshops, which are free to interested limited resource farmers, cover such topics as Forage and Livestock Management, Timber Management, USDA Programs and Services, Leasing Land for Multiple Recreational Uses, Farm Security and Feral Hog Management.

The Small Farm Outdoor Demonstration Workshops are sponsored by Restoring Faith, in association with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service. For more information, visit the website at: www.restoringfaith.org.

SOME HISTORY

Phelps Family Farm has been in Orlando’s family since his great-grandfather, Sharper Phelps, purchased 107 acres of land in 1926 and began growing row crops. At one point, Orlando’s mother and aunt, Dora Phelps and Bernice Phelps-Dobbins, managed the farm with their mother, Ella, after their father, Lemon, passed away in 1962. Their brother, who is now deceased, and two sons helped.

Dora is a retired certified nursing assistant (CNA) with a Veteran’s Administration hospital in Chicago, and Bernice is a retired math teacher in the local school system.

“Mom and I carried on the farm for a number of years after my father died. When mama passed away in 2002, Dora and I took over fulltime, with help from two of her sons. She had come home after retirement to help me care for our mother, and by then, we were both retired,” Bernice said.

“We had cows, but we didn’t have a large herd. We had different types of cattle but ended up with Black Angus,” she said. “We SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

took care of the day-to-day tasks of running a farm, and we managed our timber.”

In their 80s now, Bernice and Dora are happy that Orlando is now actively managing the operation.

THE FARM TODAY

The Phelps farm is presently a cow/calf operation with 95 head of Black Angus cattle. The farm also grows grass and timber. Orlando uses several types of conservation practices that help him farm more efficiently. The fencing has been improved and the cows are moved from grazing areas with ponds to other areas that have watering facilities closer to where they graze. The farm uses rotational grazing and cross fencing. The farm also uses stabilization structures that help prevent erosion in areas that are prone to erosion, such as gullies.

“You have to farm efficiently, but you also have to be able to grow grass to have cattle,” Orlando added. “We do Bahia grass and Bermuda grass for summer, and ryegrass, as well as ryegrass and wheat together, for the winter. Sometimes, we grow clover. We feed grain during the winter as a supplement, especially when we ween calves from their mothers. We also put out minerals.

“I love to farm,” he said. “It’s a good way to make a living when you take the time to do it right.”

As for the future of Phelps Family Farm, Orlando, who has four daughters, says he has a grandson who likes to come out to the farm.

“He enjoys watching the cows,” Orlando said. “I am hoping he will take over one day. Ever since he was a baby, he has liked cows.

So, we will see.”

A SPECIAL THANKS

A special thanks to Frank Taylor, president of the Winston County Self Help Program, for his help with this article. You can reach Frank at (601) 291-2704.

The Winston County Self Help Program is “Saving Rural America.” FB MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

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“With farming, you will always have joy and tears, good times and bad times. But I wouldn’t do anything else. I am happiest in the field. I guess it is just in my blood.”

— Linda Stafford

­

Psalm 103 - “Praise the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name.”

A Farmer’s Deep & Abiding Faith B Y G LY N D A P H I L L I P S

inda Stafford has worked beside her husband, Jerry, on their Montgomery County corn and cotton farm for 37 years. They hire three employees during harvest season, but the rest of the time, it is just Jerry and Linda. Their son, Jeffrey, also farms and has his own crops.

“My husband had farmed for a year with his cousin when he decided he wanted to be on his own,” she said. “He asked me if I would help him, and I told him I would.”

Linda had never operated farm equipment. It took time and her husband’s tutelage, but she slowly began to learn how to prepare the soil for planting and how to plant seeds, cut corn and harvest cotton.

Linda takes her farming responsibilities seriously, but she also derives a lot of joy and satisfaction from them.

“I love farming,” she said. “I have worked for Extension and for a doctor, but I much prefer working on a farm. I say work, but I enjoy this so much that for me it really isn’t work at all. I guess I am just a born farmer.”

The Staffords are longtime Montgomery County Farm Bureau members. They have attended some of our state conventions, and Linda has been nominated in the past for the state Farm Woman of the Year award.

“Most of the time, we are so busy with our church, family and farm, it’s hard to be more involved in Farm Bureau than we are, but it is a good organization,” she said. “I appreciate all that it does for farmers.”

The Staffords are also members of Poplar Creek Baptist Church.

Linda loves her church and pastor, and she says her strong faith in God has helped her get through the challenges she and her husband have encountered as farmers.

“Farming is a hard life but a good life. My faith in Christ gives me the strength and courage to be able to continue on in farming,” she said. “My faith has brought me through so much.

“One year, it hadn’t rained for a long time — maybe 90 days — SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

so I gathered up some of the area farm wives to pray,” she said. “A local businessman had built a chapel on his land, and we asked him if we could pray in it. We prayed for rain, but we also prayed for the strength to see us through a very difficult time. The rain didn’t come right away, but it wasn’t long before we did get rain, and we felt blessed. That’s what farming is all about. You will have good times, but you will also have hard times. When you make it through the difficult times, you will feel especially blessed.”

Another year, Linda and her husband were one week away from harvesting 224 acres of corn when a straight-line wind blew down all but a few stalks.

“It was such a hard blow for us,” she said. “My husband said it would be his last year to grow corn, but I refused to let it get me down. I stood there singing songs of praise to the Lord.”

Jerry began picking up the corn, and it took him three weeks to harvest it instead of a few days, but the Staffords managed to gather 98 bushels of corn. Afterwards, they let their neighbors put their cows in the field.

“We lost money on our corn that year, but we still felt blessed,” Linda said. “And the next year, I cried when I saw corn coming up from the corn kernels that had been scattered by that devastating wind. It was such a beautiful, hopeful sight.”

Another beautiful sight was when neighboring farmers showed up to help the Staffords after Jerry suffered a major heart attack.

“Twenty farmers arrived on our farm that year to help our son harvest the crops,” Linda said. “It meant so much to us. With farming, you will always have joy and tears, good times and bad times.

But I wouldn’t do anything else. I am happiest in the field. I guess it is just in my blood.”

The Staffords have been married for 51 years. In addition to their son, Jeffrey, their family includes Jeff’s wife, Debbie, three grandchildren, Erica and her husband Cody, Rex and Mary Morgan, and three great-grandchildren, Ty, Eliza and Eleanor. FB MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

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My Experiences as a Summer Intern B Y A LY S S A H U T C H E S O N

I am currently serving as the 2018 Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Summer Intern. I grew up on a small farm about 30 minutes north of Tupelo in Spruce Pine, Alabama. On our family farm, we raise chickens and timber. We also have an operating daylily nursery. My mother, Sherry Hutcheson, is a home economics teacher.

My father, Toby Hutcheson, is a forestry contractor, along with running the farm. I am currently a senior at Mississippi State University majoring in agriscience education, leadership and communications.

Growing up on the farm has been one of my greatest blessings. When I enrolled in my first agriscience class in the 8th grade, I started to see what the farm really meant to me. After being in that class, I decided I wanted to do more in the field of agriculture.

In the 11th grade, after attending several state FFA conventions, I became certain I wanted to be a state officer for the FFA organization. After many long nights and early mornings of hard work, my dreams turned into reality. While I was serving as the state sentinel for the Alabama FFA organization, I quickly realized I could make a career within the industry I had grown up in and grown to love.

Fast forward to my junior year at Mississippi State University. I had the chance to hear Samantha Laird, a regional manager for Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF), speak to one of my classes.

I learned about Mississippi Farm Bureau and the different opportunities it offers to college students. Since then, Samantha has become one of my role models.

A few months later, I competed in the MFBF Collegiate Discussion Meet. Because of this opportunity, I learned about the summer internship they offered. Every person I had come into contact with through Mississippi Farm Bureau was kind, knowledgeable and helpful. I knew this was an organization I wanted to be involved in.

So far, my time as a summer intern with Mississippi Farm Bureau has been a flurry of excitement and learning. My first week, I had the chance to meet each member of the staff at the home office in Jackson. I visited a catfish farm, attended a small ruminants meeting and visited the State Capitol. On top of all of that, I had an opportunity to visit a honeybee operation, which was my favorite farm experience. The first week was a chance for me to observe, learn the

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MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

inner workings and get to know everyone.

My second week, I had an opportunity to interact with and get to know some of the members through a beef tour in south Texas. I had the liberty to tour 44 farms, STgenetics and King Ranch. This trip was offered to members and their families, along with a few staff.

I met so many influential people and made some lifelong friends.

This is just one example of the endless opportunities Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation offers its members.

My third week, I was asked to help judge career development events at a Mississippi FFA state competition. After that, Mississippi Farm Bureau conducted the state board meeting in Starkville.

As a part of this, the state board toured greenhouses, the new meat science facility and the trial gardens located at the North and South farms at Mississippi State University. I met with many board members and evaluated how they make decisions within Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation.

Week 4, the State Women’s Committee held the annual Ag in the Classroom workshops in Hattiesburg and Grenada. On the second day of the Hattiesburg workshop, we toured a blueberry farm, an alligator farm and several plant nurseries. On the farm tours in Grenada, we toured a row crop farm, a cow-calf operation and an ornamental nursery.

This week, I shadowed the MFBF Environmental Programs coordinator. We took a trip to the Delta to observe some of the water conservation practices they are implementing. I will attend the American Farm Bureau Directors Meeting in Washington, D.C., later this month, as well as the MFBF Summer Commodity Conference and MFBF Youth Safety Camp in Canton.

Overall, this internship has been one of the best experiences of my professional career. I have found in my short time on earth that God will always lead me and put me where I need to be. I plan to attend graduate school, starting in February, and eventually pursue my degree in law.

I encourage all college students to pursue what they are passionate about. I have found if you work hard at what you love, everything will fall into place as it should. FB

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

Hot Cheese Toast

Hot Tamale Dip

1 T. onion, grated 1/3 c. mayonnaise 1 egg, lightly beaten Dash of ground black pepper ½ tsp. dry mustard ½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce Several dashes of Tabasco Paprika 1 c. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 8 slices bacon, cooked 8 slices of firm day-old white bread

1 can chili, without beans 1 can Ro-Tel 2 cans hot tamales, mashed 1 lb. cheese, cut up Fritos Combine all ingredients in crockpot and simmer until melted. Serve with Fritos.

Can add red pepper if desired.

Lil Gant Bolivar County

Combine all ingredients except bread and bacon. Crumble bacon and add to mixture. Italian Appetizer Bites Set aside. Cut crust from bread and toast on 2 (8-oz.) pkgs. refrigerated crescent rolls both sides. Spread generously with cheese ½ lb. sliced pepperoni mixture. Cut each slice into three long strips. ½ lb. sliced provolone cheese Sprinkle with paprika. Place on baking sheet, ½ lb. sliced deli ham cover and refrigerate. This may be done day 7 lg. eggs before serving. Bring to room temperature 1 c. Parmesan cheese, grated and bake at 350 degrees until puffy and light 2 (12-oz.) jars roasted red peppers, drained 2 cans black olives, sliced brown. Serve hot.

Pam Jones Hinds County

ing spray. Unroll one package of crescent rolls and use to line bottom of baking dish.

Pinch seams together with fingers. Cover rolls with half of pepperoni, provolone and ham. Lightly beat together six eggs and Parmesan cheese. Pour half evenly over top. Top with half of red peppers and olives. Repeat layering with remaining pepperoni, cheese, ham, olives, egg mixture and peppers. Top with remaining package of crescent rolls.

Lightly beat remaining egg and brush over top. Cover dish with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 30 more minutes. Cool for one hour.

Cut into squares and serve. Makes 32 appetizer bites.

Peggy McKey Hinds County

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 13x9x2inch glass baking dish with nonstick cookCOUNTRY 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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MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

Cornbread Salad

1 (8 ½ -oz.) pkg. cornbread mix 1/3 c. milk 1 green bell pepper, chopped 9 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 1 c. mayonnaise 1 lg. egg 4 med. tomatoes, chopped ½ c. onion, chopped ½ c. sweet pickles, chopped ¼ c. sweet pickle juice Combine cornbread mix, egg and milk. Spoon into 8-inch square pan and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Cool, crumble and set aside. Combine tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, pickles and bacon. Toss gently. Combine mayonnaise and pickle juice. Stir well and set aside. Layer ½ each of cornbread, tomato and mayonnaise mixtures in a glass bowl. Repeat layers with remaining mixtures, making six layers in all. Cover and chill 2 hours before serving. Serves 8.

Peggy McKey Hinds County

CALENDAR of EVENTS

SEPT. 14 Rice Tasting Luncheon

Walter Sillers Coliseum

Delta State University, Cleveland OCT. 3-14 Mississippi State Fair

Mississippi Fairgrounds, Jackson OCT. 18-19

Women’s Ag Tour

NOV. 1 Washington D.C. Fly-In

to the Farm

Ag Museum, Jackson

NOV. 2 State Resolutions Meeting

Jackson

NOV. 17 MFBF Tailgate Hosted by YF&R MSU

DEC. 1-3 MFBF Convention

Jackson SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

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NOTES FROM THE FIELD ★

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

BY ANDY BROWN

Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Region 1 Regional Manager

Sustainability: Hurry Up & Wait “Hurry up and wait.”

This is a saying I knew nothing about until I entered the world of agriculture. Every farmer I work with is constantly in a state of too much to do with too little time. As I have previously noted in earlier issues of Farm Country, farming for many turns into a lifestyle, a 24-hour, on-your-mind, what-do-I-have-to-do-next mentality. However, it is never done. There is always the next thing to do, plan, purchase or provide.

That being said, every farmer I know is also waiting. Waiting on a rain. Waiting on it to dry up. Waiting on a cow to calf. Waiting on a tractor part to be delivered. There is always the next thing that a farmer or rancher is looking to down the road that will help them operate a little longer or a little more efficiently. Something that they are focusing on that will ease the worry of the unknown, while optimistically working toward a better outcome.

This mindset is something farmers and ranchers would never think needed to be defined in print. But, by the demands of the consumer, I believe their work is best defined by one word: sustainable.

Sustainable has become a buzzword.

Some use it about the environment.

Others about business. And even food labelers have now twisted it to make what you eat sound attractive and desirable.

Farmers have been quietly defining sustainability in this country for decades.

Every year, the population of the world grows larger, while American agriculture leads the world in increasing productivity (yield) to meet the demands of the consuming public.

Ask the interest groups that badmouth conventional agriculture, and they’ll tell you farmers are far from sustainable, with their incessant depletion of the soil, pollution of the air and harming of animals.

Come to work with me, and you’ll see that farmers are building tailwater recovery ponds to recycle water on their fields; using computer technology to apply fertilizer and pesticides where they are needed and when they are needed; or taking calls at all hours from 18

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an automated system in their poultry house because the temperature and humidity levels have gone above what they deem comfortable for their livestock. I could list example after example.

The American farmer continues to feed hungry consumers worldwide abundantly on less land with fewer producers. However, the negativity they receive, spoken from those same well-fed mouths, only grows louder. When will we learn to not bite the hand that is feeding us?

You want to know what’s not sustainable in agriculture? The prices. The input costs. The regulations demanded by those outside of agriculture who know nothing about the day-to-day operations of a Mississippi producer. With tighter profit margins, more difficulty to acquire a loan to farm on and greater public skepticism, we as an American public are tightening the ability and desire of the next generation of farmers and ranchers to unsustainable levels.

So what are farmers doing about this?

What they always do — hurry up and wait. Hurrying to work before daylight and after dark. Hurrying to raise their children in a way and with the hope that they might have land to farm one day.

Hurrying to learn more and become a better agriculturalist and conservationist.

But they also wait. They are waiting on the public to see all that they provide and return to the days when they valued the farmer. They are waiting on a government to appreciate them instead of burden them with overreaching legislation. And they are waiting on a change to the market that will raise prices enough for them to farm another year.

Rather than only wait and worry, Mississippi farmers and ranchers instead work on these issues through Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation.

They continue to tell their stories, discuss issues with legislators, and negotiate deals to further the market access for their commodities to help grow this industry. We at Mississippi Farm Bureau hope you will join us in this effort through your continued membership, presence and voice in our endeavors. FB SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

2018 County Annual Meetings Alcorn County Farm Bureau Tuesday, Sept. 18, at 6:30 p.m.

County Extension Office Corinth

Marion County Farm Bureau Thursday, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m.

Columbia Exposition Center Columbia

Tippah County Farm Bureau Monday, Sept. 10, at 6:30 p.m.

County Fairgrounds/Industrial Bldg.

Ripley

Covington County Farm Bureau Thursday, Sept. 13, at 6:30 p.m.

Multipurpose Building Collins

Noxubee County Farm Bureau Thursday, Nov. 15, at 7:00 p.m.

Noxubee County Civic Center Macon

Tishomingo County Farm Bureau Thursday, Sept. 20, at 6:30 p.m.

Tishomingo County High School Iuka

Forrest County Farm Bureau Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 6 p.m.

County Extension Office Hattiesburg

Oktibbeha County Farm Bureau Tuesday, Sept. 18, at 6:30 p.m.

The Bull Barn Bring your favorite dessert to share Starkville

Union County Farm Bureau Thursday, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m.

Union County Fairgrounds/Ladies Bldg.

New Albany

Grenada County Farm Bureau Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 7:30 a.m.

Farm Bureau Office Grenada Hancock County Farm Bureau Tuesday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m.

The Camellia Barn Perkinston Jackson County Farm Bureau Saturday, Sept. 29, at 4 p.m.

East Central Community College 4300 Highway 614 Moss Point Jefferson County Farm Bureau Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 6:30 p.m.

Farm Bureau Office Fayette

Pontotoc County Farm Bureau Thursday, Sept. 13, at 7 p.m.

County Extension Office Meal will be provided Pontotoc Rankin County Farm Bureau Monday, Sept. 17, at 8 a.m.

County Farm Bureau Office Brandon Scott County Farm Bureau Thursday, Sept. 6, at 6:30 p.m.

Roosevelt State Park, Alfreda Lodge Morton

Walthall County Farm Bureau Monday, Sept. 17, at 6 p.m.

Farm Bureau Office Tylertown Wayne County Farm Bureau Thursday, Oct. 11, at 6 p.m.

Farm Bureau Office Waynesboro Winston County Farm Bureau Thursday, Sept. 20, at 7 p.m.

County Shrine Club Highway 15 South Louisville

Jefferson Davis County Farm Bureau Tuesday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m.

Farm Bureau Office Prentiss Jones County Farm Bureau Tuesday, Oct. 2, at 6 p.m.

Farm Bureau Office Laurel Lafayette County Farm Bureau Thursday, Sept. 13, at 11 a.m.

Farm Bureau Office Oxford Madison County Farm Bureau Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 10 a.m.

Farm Bureau Office Canton SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

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MEMBER BENEFITS UPDATE ★

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

BY DOUG ERVIN

Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Organization Director

FB Members Benefit from Programs, Services Today is the best time ever to be a Farm Bureau member. Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation is stronger than ever before and growing at a steady pace. Our goal is to provide our volunteer leaders and our county and state staff the tools needed to recruit new members and to provide top-rated programs and services.

We are very proud of the many benefits our programs provide to our membership. These include the Car Seat Program, Theft Reward Program, Safety Programs, Ag in the Classroom and Women’s Programs, the Young Farmers & Ranchers Program, Training Programs, Land Program, and Scholarships. In addition to these programs, we have many services available, including Insurance services, State and National Legislative Affairs, Environmental Issues, and Public Relations and Communications.

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Our regional managers/commodity coordinators work closely with all of the departments, programs and services, serving as a liaison between our state and county office personnel and the hundreds of volunteer leaders of this organization.

In addition to the programs and services, our members have exclusive local and national discounts that can easily save you the cost of your annual membership dues and more. Some of these exclusive discounts can be seen on the adjoining page, but those are just the beginning. Download the MS Farm Bureau Member Savings App and start saving with over 200,000 discounts nationwide. Or, from your computer, visit http://msfb.memberperks.us.

For more details on all of these programs, services and benefits, visit www.msfb.org. FB

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“I was amazed to discover that most of my students didn’t know where their food comes from. I was humbled to see how excited they became about agriculture.”

— Heather Giger

HEATHER GIGER 2018 TEACHER OF THE YEAR B Y G LY N D A P H I L L I P S

A few years ago, while attending a conference in Tupelo for teachers of gifted students, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) 2018 Teacher of the Year Heather Giger had an epiphany.

“A representative from McDowell Farm School spoke to us,” she said. “I have a farm background, so I was excited to learn they are using their farm to teach kids about agriculture through field trips, workshops, retreats and summer camps. I knew I couldn’t bring my students to visit their farm. It is too far away. So, I decided instead to bring the field trip to them.”

Heather, who was teaching fifth-grade gifted education at Oak Grove Upper Elementary School in Hattiesburg, began incorporating a vegetable garden (mainly greens) and a lamb into her teaching efforts. The kids quickly became enthusiastic about agriculture, the garden grew and the animal inventory increased, from the single lamb named Cotton, which the kids bottle-fed and watched grow, to goats, a pig and lots of cackling hens.

“I grew up out in the country in Marion County. My dad had horses, and my uncle had cows. I took farming for granted,” Heather said. “I was amazed to discover that most of my students didn’t know where their food comes from. I was humbled to see how excited they became about agriculture. I also discovered that adding agriculture to the curriculum was a great way to teach them math, science and language arts.”

And then one day something even more remarkable happened.

“We had an art position become available at Oak Grove, and I applied for it. I wanted to utilize the garden and animals in a way that all of the students could be exposed to them, and Ag Art was the result,” she said. “Beginning in 2015, I went from teaching 48 gifted students to teaching 750 fourth- and fifth-graders.”

Ag Art, by the way, is a combination of ag science and art.

“Through the Ag Art program, I might teach my students about the different parts of a chicken, and the art lesson that would go along with that would be Picasso’s Rooster,” Heather said. “Or we might study horticulture, then go out into the garden, harvest some of the vegetables, bring them back to the classroom and draw them.

“When the lesson was about pork, we talked about the large bronze sculpture of a pig named Rachel that is the unofficial mascot of Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington,” she added. “We also cared for our own small pig.

As we took care of our chickens, we gathered eggs and the stuSEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

dents took some of them home with them. We also encouraged people to send us their broken eggshells, which we dyed different colors and used to make mosaics … like medieval mosaics.”

The Ag Art class opened up other interesting doors.

Not only were Ag Art kids learning science and art, they were learning economics from bankers who spoke to their class. They learned the importance of good hygiene — how to clean their hands and feet when they came back inside after handling the animals or working in the garden. Chef Rick Wallace of Jackson and Chef Katie Dixon of Hattiesburg spoke to the students about nutrition and healthy eating. Pete Rutland, a Mize watermelon farmer, talked to them about growing watermelons.

The students grew their own watermelons and even held a watermelon festival!

Other school districts and ag organizations took note of Oak Grove’s Ag Art program, and Heather was invited to speak to various groups, including last year’s National Ag in the Classroom Conference and this year’s state Ag in the Classroom workshops.

In addition to being named MFBF 2018 Teacher of the Year, she was named the Mississippi Association of Conservation Districts’ Teacher of the Year and was presented the Mississippi Alliance for Arts Education Thad Cochran Distinguished Agriculture & Art Educator award.

Oak Grove and its Ag Art and fitness programs received a $96,980 grant from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation for the 2017-2018 school year, the first time a grant of this type has been awarded to a Mississippi elementary school.

“My students learned from Ag Art, but I also learned from the experience,” she said. “It made me very passionate about teaching kids to appreciate agriculture. Wherever I go, I enjoy teaching the value of fresh food and where our food comes from.”

Longleaf Elementary School in Hattiesburg is Heather’s current school, and she says she is excited about the possibilities.

“The principal is supportive of incorporating agriculture into the curriculum for fifth-graders, especially the farm-to-table aspect,” she said. “It is all that I ever wanted.”

Heather appreciates that Farm Bureau has helped her spread the word about what she is doing.

“It’s important to try to get agriculture into our fifth-grade science lessons,” she said. “At first, this seemed a little crazy. But it works.” FB MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

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As for their personalities, here’s a summary of what the siblings have to say about each other: Amber is the quietest but also the funniest. Jacqueline is outgoing but also knows how to be responsible.

Taylor is very outgoing and knows how to get along well with people. B is also a good people person. Grace Ann is the sweetest and has the most unique personality, but all of the kids are unique in different ways, even as they share similarities. Brandon is the nicest and most fun to hang out with, while Laura Leigh is shy but has lots of friends and can be funny around people once she gets to know them.

From left, Brandon, Taylor, Amber, Grace Ann, Laura Leigh, Jacqueline and Braswell (B).

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ERVINareKIDS GROWING UP It’s hard to believe that the Ervin Quints of Magnolia — Taylor is interested in international business.

Grace Ann, Amber, Jacqueline, Taylor and Braswell — will be high “I want to go to England through an exchange program when school seniors this fall. It seems like only yesterday they were featured I’m in college,” she said. “I want to experience different cultures.” on the cover of this publication as toddlers, along with their mom, Grace Ann also wants to work in the business world or possibly Brandi, and dad, Doug. Now, they are 17 years old. Their younger be a chiropractor. brother, Brandon, 14, will be in the ninth grade this fall, and the Amber is interested in the field of medicine, but isn’t sure which youngest sibling, Laura Leigh, 12, will be in the seventh grade. aspect appeals to her most.

The Ervins are smart, outgoing kids who consistently make B says he may major in business. (He had a lawn care business good grades, while excelling in extracurricular activities at school. this summer with a friend, and they even printed up business cards They attend Parklane Academy in McComb, for “B&T Lawn Care.”) He knows for sure that he where Grace Ann, Taylor, Jacqueline and Amber wants to play baseball. have been cheerleaders every year since elementary “I hope to play baseball at Southwest Commuschool. Braswell (or B, as he is called) is involved in nity College and then attend Ole Miss or Southall sports and Brandon plays football and particiern,” he said.

The Ervins are a pates in track at Parklane. Taylor has been selected Jacqueline says she is interested in becoming a class beauty and class favorite four times. Grace either a veterinarian or an ag major. She also wants to close-knit family.The be Ann has been selected a beauty twice. B has been a champion barrel racer and is focused on achievselected a beau twice. Taylor was selected a sopho- siblings say they enjoy ing that goal at some point in the future. more maid.

Brandon has always been interested in computbeing a part of a large Jacqueline loves horses and barrel racing. She ers. As mentioned earlier, Laura Leigh is interested in has twice served as a flag girl in the annual Dixie family because you always music and singing. She also enjoys playing volleyball.

National Parade. Laura Leigh loves music and enjoys The family attends First Baptist Church Summit. have someone to talk In addition, the kids attend a youth program at a difsinging. Taylor, Amber and Grace Ann have modeled for Poppy Ann’s Boutique. church on Wednesday nights. to; someone always has ferent As for their personalities, here’s a summary The Ervins are a close-knit family. The siblings say your back; and life of what the siblings have to say about each other: they enjoy being part of a large family because you Amber is the quietest but also the funniest. Jacquealways have someone to talk to; someone always has is never boring. line is outgoing but also knows how to be responyour back; and life is never boring. sible. Taylor is very outgoing and knows how to get “We squabble, but not as often as we once did,” along well with people. B is a good people person, too. Grace Ann is they said. “We are really very close.” the sweetest and has the most unique personality, but all of the kids “Their mother and I are honored and blessed that God chose us are unique in different ways, even as they share similarities. Bran- to be the parents of seven healthy, normal, smart and beautiful childon is the nicest and most fun to hang out with, while Laura Leigh dren,” said Doug. “We try to teach them to put God first in their is shy but has lots of friends and can be funny around people once lives and pray about everything.” she gets to know them.

We wish for this family the very best as the siblings grow into All of the kids plan to attend college. They haven’t decided for adults and begin to find their way in the world. Hopefully, we will sure where they will go, but they have pretty much figured out what continue to receive reports on them well into the future. they want to do with their lives. Bear in mind, all of this is subject Doug is the Organization Director at Mississippi Farm Bureau to change.

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2018 AITC Workshops

This year’s Ag in the Classroom Teacher Workshops, held in Hattiesburg and Grenada, gave teachers and volunteer leaders ideas about how to incorporate agriculture into their classroom activities. Participants learned about ag commodities, as well as school gardens, conservation education, agritourism, drones in agriculture and the “First Peas to the Table” book of the year and its related contest. A special thanks to the following for their help with the workshops: Forrest County Community Shelter, The Country Schoolhouse, GreenForest Nursery, Rocking B Cattle, Sandy Run

Farms & Nursery, Miss-Lou Blueberries, The Flower Bed Nursery, Grenada County Extension, Grenada Mayor Billy Collins, Bull Bottom Farms, Harrison Logging, Hayward Farms, Crop Production Services, Bailey and Sons Farm, and James Farms. Thanks also to the 2017 & 2018 Teachers of the Year Angel Pilcher and Heather Giger, 2018 Summer Intern Alyssa Hutcheson, Coby Rutherford, Lisa Browning, Laura Leggett, Louis Wasson, Katie Robinson, Chris Shivers, and members of the State Women’s Committee for their presentations. FB

Workshop participants in Hattiesburg and Grenada toured farms, nurseries and During a segment about conservation education, participants learned to look other ag enterprises on the second day of each workshop. closely at items in nature.

Talking to a farmer.

Learning about rice.

Just a few of the Hattiesburg workshop participants.

A dairy farmer and others show workshop participants how to make a quick “ice cream in a bag” treat.

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A hands-on creative gardening craft.

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Learning how cotton is grown and harvested.

A fascinating farm tour.

Visiting a logging operation.

Learning how to make a quick “sweet potato pie in a bag” treat.

Learning all about beef and, in this photo, that chocolate milk doesn’t come from a brown cow.

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2018 Gary Langley Memorial Golf Tournament

The Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Committee hosted the 2018 Gary Langley Memorial Golf Tournament Fundraiser on June 21-22 at Halifax Holes in Bolton. This annual event is held in memory of Gary Langley, a previous State YF&R Committee member who lost his life in a tragic tractor accident while serving on the committee. All of the proceeds from the event benefit the YF&R program and help carry out the mission of preparing our state’s young farmers and ranchers to be stronger agricultural leaders and advocates.

This year’s event enjoyed a great turnout, with 15 three-man teams competing for a variety of prizes. Three rounds of golf were played in the tournament. First-place teams in each round of the tournament received plaques and $600; secondplace teams in each round received plaques and $450. In addition, two closest-to-the-hole contests and one longest-drive contest were held during each round. Event participants agreed that the 18-hole course was a challenging and fun course to play.

The committee would like to thank all of the sponsors, donors and participants for helping to make the event a success. They would like to extend a very special thank you to MFBF Central Mississippi Vice President Ted Kendall IV for so generously donating the use of Halifax Holes for the event and for his hands-on

assistance in helping to make the event run smoothly.

Winning first place in the Thursday morning round of competition was the team from Bolivar County Farm Bureau. Team members were Jason Rocconi, Anthony Malatesta and Bryce Rocconi. In second place on Thursday morning was the MFBF Environmental Department team. Team members were Bucky Kennedy, Logan Lovvorn and Andy Whittington. The first-place team in the Thursday afternoon round of the tournament was the team from Madison County. Team members were Chad Penn, Sam Goza and John Stanley. Winning second place on Thursday afternoon was the Langley Family team. Team members were David Duncan, John Langley and Keith Morgan. This team was also accompanied by the father of Gary Langley, Mr. Dan Langley. In first place during the Friday morning round of golf was the team from Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company. Team members were Kevin Sills, Michael Heard and Dan Luke. The second-place team on Friday morning was from Cornerstone Government Affairs. Team members were Sykes Heard, Whit Kendall and Chris Champion. Congratulations to all of the tournament winners.

For more information about the YF&R Program, contact YF&R Coordinator Samantha Laird at slaird@msfb.org or (601) 573-7913. FB

2018 Gary Langley Memorial Fundraiser Sponsors

We are especially thankful for our generous sponsors:

• Community Bank of Forest sponsored lunch.

• Local Seed Company sponsored the closest-to-the-hole contests.

• Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company sponsored the signs for the event.

• Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company sponsored prizes for the event.

• Mississippi Farm Bureau Insurance Company sponsored the longest-drive contest.

• MFBF President Mike McCormick and the MFBF Vice Presidents – Mr. Reggie Magee, Mr. Donald Gant, and Mr. Ted Kendall – sponsored prizes for the event.

• Chris Williams, agency manager in Simpson County, prepared lunch for the event.

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• Hole sponsors for the event were Mississippi Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company, Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, Simpson County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, Yazoo County Farm Bureau, Farm Bureau Insurance – Madison County, Farm Bureau Insurance – Webster County, Guaranty Bank & Trust Company, Sanders, A&W Planting Company, McB Farms Inc., Agri-AFC, BankPlus, Humphreys County Farm Bureau, Lincoln County Farm Bureau, Old Walthall Farms, Tabb Family Farms, Bank of Anguilla, Southern Farm Services, Fred and Leslie Miller, Josh and Melanie Miller, First South Farm Credit, Zoetis, Calhoun County Farm Bureau, DeSoto County Farm Bureau, C&T Farms, Delta Blues Rice, Pontotoc County Farm Bureau, Scott County Farm Bureau, Bayer Environmental Science, Inverness Rotary Club, Bolivar County Farm Bureau, Farm Bureau Insurance – Bolivar County, Corteva Agriscience, StockPro Animal Health and Hinds County Farm Bureau. FB SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

First-place team Thursday morning – Bolivar County Farm Bureau – Jason Second-place team Thursday morning – MFBF Environmental Department Rocconi, Anthony Malatesta and Bryce Rocconi. team – Bucky Kennedy, Logan Lovvorn and Andy Whittington.

First-place team Thursday afternoon was from Madison County – Chad Penn, Second-place team Thursday afternoon was the Langley Family team – David Sam Goza and John Stanley.

Duncan, John Langley and Keith Morgan. This team was also accompanied by the father of Gary Langley, Mr. Dan Langley.

First-place team Friday morning – Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Com- Second-place team Friday morning – Cornerstone Government Affairs – pany – Kevin Sills, Michael Heard and Dan Luke.

Sykes Heard, Whit Kendall and Chris Champion.

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See Page 21 for Member Benefits!

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

Farm Bureau Chicks T-shirt & New Color for MS Ag T-shirt Comfort Color Farm Bureau Chicks T-shirts are now available in a mustard color, with short sleeves only. Sizes small to 3XL. The shirt sells for $12.

The Comfort Color Mississippi Ag T-shirt is now available in a watermelon color, with short sleeves only, and sells for $18.

Sizes small to 3XL. It is still available in Flo-Blue in short and long sleeves. The short-sleeved T-shirt sells for $18, and the longsleeved T-shirt sells for $23.

To order, contact Pam Jones at (601) 977-4854 or email her at pjones@msfb.org. FB SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

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