Msfarmctry vol92 no2

CONGRATULATIONS WILLIAM AND CALA TABB — NATIONAL YOUNG FARMER AWARD WINNERS VOLUME 92 NO. 2

MARCH/APRIL 2016

Best & Brightest Young Farmer Leaders

A PUBLICATION OF MISSISSIPPI FARM BUREAU FEDERATION • MSFB.ORG

C O N T E N T S

march /april 2016 Volume 92 Number 2 March/April 2016

FEATURES

8

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

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

YOUNG FARMERS Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation is home to some of the best and brightest young farmer leaders in the nation.

In this issue, we visit with some of these exceptional men and women.

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

ADVERTISING Angela Ellis 1-800-227-8244 ext. 4242 aellis@msfb.org FARM BUREAU OFFICERS President — Mike McCormick Vice President — Donald Gant Vice President — Ted Kendall IV Vice President — Reggie Magee Treasurer — Billy Davis Corporate Secretary — Kent Bloodworth FARM BUREAU DIRECTORS Carla Taylor, Prentiss Matt Ormon, Benton Jeffrey (Jeff) Hollowell, Lafayette Bob Workman, Quitman Gabriela Brasher, Tallahatchie Dan L. Bishop, Lee Scott O’Brian, Clay Craig Canull, Lowndes David Hayward, Grenada Dott G. Arthur, Leake William Jones, Lauderdale Paul Myrick, Jasper James R. Ford, Smith James G. “Jimbo” Newman, Issaquena Tammy Layton, Simpson Earl Gay Edwards, Amite Everett A. “Pud” Stringer, Marion Dot Cole, Perry Clayton Lawrence Jr., George Tom Daniels, Harrison Betty Mills, Montgomery David Arant Jr., Leflore

12

FARM FACTS Produce farmer Allen Eubanks of Lucedale is featured in our “Farm Facts: Straight from a Mississippi Farmer” column.

Come with us as we learn more.

EDITOR — Glynda Phillips

18 STATE CONVENTION

Coverage of the 94th Annual Meeting of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation is featured inside.

SAM SCOTT Sam Scott wrote a long-running column for this publication before his death in November. His beautiful, humorous and infinitely wise words will be missed. Read our tribute to Sam inside this issue.

26

HONORARY VICE PRESIDENT Louis J. Breaux III 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.

DEPARTMENTS

ABOUT THE COVER

4 6 16 2 9

William Tabb is pictured on his farm in Webster County. He and his wife, Cala, were named state and national winners of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE NATIONAL AFFAIRS REPORT LAND PROGRAM UPDATE MEMBER BENEFITS

Photo by Greg Gibson.

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

3

P R E S I D E N T’S M E S S A G E Mike McCormick –President, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation

Mississippi is the Best Mississippi took center stage at the 97th American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Annual Convention in January when William and Cala Tabb of Webster County won the national Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Achievement Award, besting an outstanding group of young farmers from across the nation. It made us very proud to see Mississippi agriculture so well represented. Congratulations, William and Cala.

Also at national convention, J. Tedrick Ratcliff of Rankin County made it into the YF&R Discussion Meet Sweet Sixteen semifinals, and Matthew and Gaea Hock of Oktibbeha County represented our state well in the YF&R Excellence in Agriculture competition. Mississippi is home to some of the best and the brightest young farmers in the nation. I invite you to read about our Young Farmers & Ranchers program inside this issue of our membership magazine.

In other national convention news, four Federation programs received Awards for Excellence. These included Education and Outreach; Member Benefits; Policy Development and Implementation; and Public Relations and Communication. This type of recognition is a strong validation of the work that goes into surfacing the programs that meet the needs of our members.

Also at convention, I was re-elected to serve a second term on the AFBF Board of Directors. My service on this board is an honor that allows me to express the unique interests and concerns of Mississippi and 4

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

the Southern Region as I work with other board members to address national issues of importance to our members.

Last but certainly not least, we have a new AFBF president for the first time in 16 years, Vincent “Zippy” Duvall. Zippy is a poultry, cattle and hay producer from Greene County, Georgia, who served as president of the Georgia Farm Bureau for nine years. I look forward to working with Zippy in the months ahead.

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

I want to beam the spotlight for a moment on our National Affairs program. Coordinator Justin Ferguson is doing a great job of keeping important national issues before our membership and ensuring that the members of our congressional delegation are informed about the interests and concerns of Farm Bureau and Mississippi agriculture.

We are blessed with a group of senators and congressmen who are eager to work with our agriculture industry, and this is reflected in Justin’s first column on page 6.

2016 STATE LEGISLATURE

When you receive your March/April issue of our magazine, Farm Bureau will be hard at work at the State Capitol. If our policies guide our efforts in the Mississippi Legislature, our priority issues chart the course of action we intend to take each session. I want to talk about some of our priority issues for 2016. Please note that most of these issues are a priority every year.

This year, Farm Bureau will work to protect animal husbandry practices based on sound science. We will support increased funding for transportation projects statewide. We will support regulatory and legislative issues based only on sound scientific data, and we will support adequate funding for issues related to livestock health. We will work to oppose the dictation of which foods should and should not be consumed, and we will oppose mandating labels on the types of crops grown in our state.

In the coming year, Farm Bureau will work to ensure adequate funding for the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce. In addition, we will urge full support of the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University and the School of Agriculture, Research, Extension and Applied Sciences at Alcorn State University.

Land-grant university efforts have consistently helped to move our farmers forward into the efficient, productive and nearly $8 billion industry we enjoy today.

MEMBERSHIP GOAL

In case you haven’t heard, in mid-January we reached our annual state membership quota. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to those volunteer leaders and staff members who work so hard to ensure that we have a strong and vital organization whose influence continues to be felt in many arenas on both the state and national levels.

You are the reason Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation is the best in the nation.

I can’t wait to see what your efforts yield in the coming year. FB MARCH/APRIL 2016

Distinguished Service Award The late Kevin Simpson of Benton County was posthumously honored at state convention with the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Distinguished Service Award.

A lifelong farmer and devoted Farm Bureau volunteer leader, Kevin served as president of Benton County Farm Bureau and was a member of the MFBF Board of Directors. He was a former chair of the Young Farmers & Ranchers State Committee, served as MFBF North Mississippi Vice President (2004-2006) and was a past member of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company Board of Directors.

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. FB

MARCH/APRIL 2016

Pictured with MFBF President Mike McCormick are Kevin’s wife, Cindy, his son, Kyle, and his daughter, Lori.

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

5

National Affairs Report ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

BY JUSTIN FERGUSON, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation National Affairs Coordinator & Commodity Coordinator for Major Row Crops

Delegation Stands Strong on Federal Ag Priorities During the fall of 2015, Mississippi agriculture had several major legislative policy issues on the congressional agenda.

As always, the members of our Mississippi Congressional Delegation stood firm to support policies and positions that benefit Mississippi’s agriculture industry. I have highlighted several of these key issues below.

• Restoration of Cuts to Crop Insurance in Federal Budget Package: In late October, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 was introduced and passed. It included a surprising $3 billion in cuts to the federal crop insurance program. Members of the Mississippi Congressional Delegation fought to restore these cuts in the Federal Highway Bill, which passed Congress in late November.

• Poultry & Safety Net Measures for Contract Poultry Growers: In November, U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker spearheaded a joint letter from 10 U.S. senators to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack requesting the agency’s support in assuring that USDA has instituted appropriate measures to assist contract poultry growers in the event of an outbreak of avian influenza. Specifically, the senators requested action on key provisions as the U.S. Department of Agriculture determines how best to implement its Fall 2015 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Preparedness and Response Plan.

• Senate Vote Blocking WOTUS (Waters of the U.S.) Rules: In November, the U.S. Senate failed to pass cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1140, legislation which would have required the EPA to revoke and rewrite the WOTUS rule. Unfortunately, these 6

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

votes were largely symbolic, as President Obama has threatened to veto both pieces of legislation. Farm Bureau commends both Senators Cochran and Wicker for their votes supporting this legislation • Cotton Seed as “Other Oil Seed” in the Farm Bill: As the cotton industry is currently seeing a major loss of market potential, there is a movement in the cotton industry to request that USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack designate cottonseed as an “Other Oilseed,” which would allow cottonseed to be eligible for the PLC/ARC programs authorized in the 2014 Farm Bill. In December, over 100 members of the U.S House of Representatives signed a letter to Secretary Vilsack requesting this provision be instituted. Congressmen Harper, Kelly, Palazzo and Thompson all signed onto this request. A companion letter was initiated in the U.S. Senate. Both Senators Cochran and Wicker penned their names to the letter as well.

• Catfish Inspection: In late November, the U. S. Department of Agriculture issued a final rule on inspection responsibilities for imported and domestic catfish offered to American consumers. The issuance of the final rule culminates a more than seven-year effort by Senator Thad Cochran to transfer inspection responsibilities to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). An FSIS inspection program was first authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill and reaffirmed in the 2014 Farm Bill. The point of this process has been to ensure that the farm-raised catfish served to American families is safe and nutritious. This system would

replace an FDA inspection process that examines less than 2 percent of the fish imported into the United States, including limited tests for unapproved drugs and chemicals used by producers in developing countries to enhance yields and address diseases associated with overcrowded catfish ponds. All catfish inspection responsibilities will be transferred to and not shared with the USDA. Farm Bureau commends and congratulates Senator Cochran on this welcome news.

• Omnibus Appropriations Bill: In late December, Congress considered the Omnibus Appropriations Bill, which funds the federal government until September 30, 2016. Specific to agriculture, this important legislation has numerous provisions which include funding for key federal research programs and food safety and inspection initiatives. Both Senators Wicker and Cochran supported this legislation, as well as Congressmen Harper, Kelly and Palazzo.

• Tax Policy: Additionally, in late December, Congress passed the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, which includes two key provisions for farms and small businesses. These are: Section 179 small business expensing and the bonus depreciation. The bill permanently extends the Section 179 provision and extends bonus depreciation for the next four years with a step-down rate. Both of these provisions are a big win in terms of stability in tax policy for the agricultural and manufacturing sectors. Both Senators Wicker and Cochran supported this legislation as well as Congressmen Harper, Kelly and Palazzo.

For more information, contact me at (601) 720-4238 or jferguson@msfb.org. FB MARCH/APRIL 2016

Excellence in Leadership Mississippi cattleman and longtime Farm Bureau volunteer leader Doug Yelverton of Lowndes County was presented the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) 2015 Excellence in Leadership Award.

Through the years, Doug has worked tirelessly to promote Mississippi agriculture and the Farm Bureau organization. He has served Farm Bureau in many capacities, most notably as a county president and a member of the MFBF Board of Directors. Yelverton is also a longtime member of the Cattlemen’s Association.

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.

Doug is pictured with MFBF President Mike McCormick. FB

MARCH/APRIL 2016

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

7

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

Webster County row crop, timber and produce farmers William and Cala Tabb were named state and national winners of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award.

The state honor was announced at the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation’s annual membership meeting in December. The Tabbs received their national honor at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual membership meeting in Orlando, Florida, in January.

The Achievement Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who have excelled in their farming or ranching operations and exhibited superior leadership abilities. Participants are evaluated on a combination of their agricultural operation’s growth and financial progress, Farm Bureau leadership and leadership outside of Farm Bureau.

William and Cala have worked hard to grow their operation from the ground up over the course of 13 years. They started with very little — not even a co-signer for their first loan — and today farm 2,600 acres of cotton, soybeans, corn, wheat, sweet potatoes, peanuts and produce, 500 acres of which they own.

“I was able to obtain an FSA beginning farmer loan, and over the years, my wife and I have slowly built our farm with the guidance of our family,” William said.

In recent years, in addition to their standard crops, the Tabbs have incorporated several new components into their agricultural operation. They actively market their produce to local consumers as well as to local grocery stores and restaurants. They also offer custom harvesting and land clearing to area farmers and sell grain for specialty wildlife feed to area hunters.

Future plans include increasing both their peanut and sweet potato acreage by 100%, increasing the variety of their pro-

duce crops and selling more produce locally.

William, a third-generation farmer, has They would also like to put in a greenhouse received a lot of knowledge from his father to be able to produce vegetables year round over the years. and install a grading and packing facility to “He didn’t even want me to farm, but he begin shipping produce statewide. did give me knowledge. I’ve also gotten a lot “Another goal of ours is to expand on- of good coaching from my brother and the farm storage,” he said. “We are in the begin- community, so the knowledge is big. I’m glad ning phases of this now I wasn’t handed anything. but hope to build a cliI started out with an FSA STATE & NATIONAL mate-controlled storage loan and slowly built up WINNERS house for sweet potatoes to where I am today. It THE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD and a refrigerated storage was hard, but it is so satfacility for produce in the RECOGNIZES YOUNG FARMERS isfying to see how far we AND RANCHERS WHO HAVE near future.” have come.”

EXCELLED IN THEIR FARMING The Tabbs allow MisThe Tabbs are active OR RANCHING OPERATIONS sissippi State University to Farm Bureau volunteer AND EXHIBITED SUPERIOR plant test plots and host leaders and active memLEADERSHIP ABILITIES. on-farm field days on bers of their church and their farm to better educommunity. Cala is a cate themselves and other area farmers. fifth-grade teacher in a local school. The “We believe that research and education Tabbs have four children, Brady, Grant, are the keys to success within the agricul- Adalee and Gibson. tural industry. We would like to expand our As state winners, the Tabbs received partnership in these efforts,” William said. a new Ford F-150 truck from Southern “We also plan to improve our environ- Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Commental impact through greater participation pany, the use of John Deere and Kubota in the Natural Resources Conservation Ser- tractors, $500 from Watson Quality Ford, vice’s (NRCS) Conservation Stewardship and $1,800 toward the purchase of technolProgram (CSP). We currently have 1,000 ogy from Mississippi Farm Bureau Federaacres in the CSP program, and we would tion. Regional winners in this competition like to add more to expand our use of grid received $500 from Southern Farm Bureau sampling for variable rate fertilization to Casualty Insurance Company and $500 prevent over-fertilization of our land. from Southern Ag Credit.

“Finally, we would like to expand our use As national winners, they received their of social media to promote agriculture. We choice of either a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado currently both have a Facebook page and or 2016 GMC Sierra, courtesy of ChevroInstagram account. We also have a Facebook let. They will also receive paid registration to page devoted to our farm. Through these attend the 2016 YF&R Leadership Confersocial media avenues, we are able to not only ence in Kansas City, Missouri, in February. promote our farm but agriculture in general,” For more information about the Mishe said. “We would also like to work more sissippi Farm Bureau Federation Young with local news media to do regular specials Farmers & Ranchers Program, contact on our farm to promote agriculture and the YF&R Coordinator Samantha Laird at farming community.”

(601) 573-7913. FB

Cala and William Tabb are pictured with their children, Grant, Adalee, Gibson and Brady.

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

9

State Winners Excellence in Agriculture B Y G LY N D A P H I L L I P S

Matthew and Gaea Hock of Oktibbeha County were named state winners of the 2015 Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Excellence in Agriculture Award. They were recognized for their involvement in agriculture, their leadership ability and their involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and their community. The announcement was made during Farm Bureau’s annual membership meeting in December. The Hocks competed with outstanding regional winners from around the state.

Gaea is an assistant professor in agricultural information science at Mississippi State University (MSU), where Matthew is working on his Ph.D. in agronomy. Both Gaea and Matthew spend a lot of time educating and encouraging young adults and youths to become advocates for agriculture.

“I use a lot of hands-on activities with my students to help them develop their agricultural advocacy skills,” Gaea said. “It is very important that the general public understand more about agriculture. They’re the ones who are voting and the ones who are making some of the laws and regulations that impact us. With only two percent of our population actively engaged in agriculture, we have to get those other 98 percent to understand what we’re doing and why we’re doing it that way so they don’t continue to pass laws and regulations that restrict us from being able to produce our food, fiber and other resources that agriculture is tied to.”

Matthew conducts research to improve corn production and shares his knowledge with area farmers. He understands the importance of being able to convey research findings to farmers in a way that is relevant and easy for them to put into practice. He loves interacting with other people and uses this skill to his benefit when communicating one-on-one with farmers. He helps them MARCH/APRIL 2016

with their problems on an individual basis, which is highly appreciated by the producers.

“This non-formal educational approach allows for further advancements in production practices,” Matthew said. “It is important to continue to research and communicate these innovations with actual producers.”

The Hocks are active Farm Bureau volunteer leaders who are especially proud of their involvement in the YF&R program.

As a former state YF&R Discussion Meet winner, Gaea says she was excited to help start a Mississippi Farm Bureau Collegiate Discussion Meet, an event that will allow students to practice their advocacy and discussion skills while interacting with each other and key agriculture industry stakeholders. The first event was held in 2015, and the winner was former Farm Bureau Ambassador Emma Jumper of Starkville.

As a Collegiate FFA advisor, Gaea assists students in developing and hosting events, including public speaking workshops, hosting a viewing of Farmland (the movie) and starting a State Collegiate FFA Conference. She is also very active with the Mississippi FFA Association. She helps host events and competitions that are targeted to student development and career success.

She says she enjoys working with youth to help them understand and appreciate the agriculture industry.

“We take advantage of all opportunities to be advocates for agriculture,” Matthew said. “This includes our continued development and learning through programs offered by land-grant institutions, agriculture and commodity groups, and especially Farm Bureau.”

The Hocks are active in other ag-related organizations and in their community. Gaea received the MSU Outstanding New Faculty Member, Excellence in Teaching Award in 2014-2015.

As state winners of the Excellence in Agriculture award, the Hocks received a zero-turn lawnmower, sponsored by Southern AgCredit, and an expense-paid trip from Farm Bureau to the 2016 American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida.

Regional winners in this competition received $500 from Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company and a Yeti cooler from the Mississippi Farm Bureau Insurance Sales Department.

The Excellence in Agriculture Award is presented to those individuals or couples who do not have the majority of their income subject to normal production risk.

For more information about the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers Program, contact YF&R Coordinator Samantha Laird at (601) 573-7913. FB MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

11

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

Growing the Family Produce Business

by Nathan Gregory, Mississippi State University Ag Communications

Allen Eubanks grew his family business near Lucedale from a 200-acre row crop farm to a 2,500-acre, high-tech produce operation, and he credits researchers and agents with the Mississippi State University Extension Service with helping him succeed.

Bell peppers, cantaloupe, eggplant, snap beans and zucchini are just a few of the dozens of fresh fruits and vegetables Eubanks Produce now distributes to major commercial vendors throughout the Gulf Coast, Southeast and Northeast.

During peak growing season, more than 300 employees grow and hand-harvest crops using GPS technology and drip irrigation to make the most efficient use of water and the fertile Southeast Mississippi soil. Each week, Eubanks conducts soil and plant testing on the crops he grows to make sure they’re all healthy and disease-free.

The elaborate nature of the operation

12

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

has significantly evolved from its roots. The first seeds of Eubanks Produce were planted two generations ago by Eubanks’ grandfather, Pat, who grew peas, butterbeans, watermelons and pecans. Eubanks’ father, Charlie, later grew row crops, watermelons and tomatoes. He soon opened 10 acres of tomatoes to the public for picking. That farm has since grown into a 100-acre farm known as Charlie’s U-Pik, which offers a wide range of fruits and vegetables in June and July for people wanting to buy produce directly from the farm.

Helping his father and mother grew Eubanks’ interest in becoming a farmer himself.

“I grew up helping out where needed and just developed a love for it,” Eubanks says.

“I started growing a few more watermelons and different vegetables in my high school years. While I went to MSU and worked

on my degree in agricultural economics, I would grow more vegetables on weekends and summers.”

Eubanks established his first ties with Extension while he was a student studying under David Nagel, an Extension professor in plant and soil sciences.

“He was my mentor in college and later did extensive trials for several years on our farm,” Eubanks says.

When he graduated in 1992, Eubanks spent “every dime” he had trying to build a viable vegetable business. The first years were challenging, and he paid his dues with long hours and modest returns.

“I learned mostly by trial and error,” Eubanks says. “It developed and steadily grew in size to where it is today. It was

MARCH/APRIL 2016

Allen and Janice Eubanks

There’s nothing more satisfying to me than seeing a crop from start to finish. It’s definitely challenging at times mostly due to weather and markets, but there’s nothing else I would rather do.

I feel like I am overly blessed to do what I love with my family alongside me.

— Allen Eubanks probably 2003 before we had a decent income and consistent business.”

He emphasizes that Extension was especially helpful during the first years of developing his business, and he continues to maintain relationships with Extension agents and researchers today. With their expertise, Eubanks says he began concentrating on growing the crops that thrived on his land and avoiding the ones that did not consistently meet his expectations.

Extension nominated Eubanks as Mississippi’s selection for the 2015 Sunbelt Ag Expo Farmer of the Year. Held in Moultrie, Georgia, the Sunbelt Ag Expo is an annual trade show featuring more than 1,000 ag-based vendors. It is known as one of the premier farm shows in the U.S. Nine participating

states select nominees for the award, and an overall winner is chosen at the conference.

A fourth generation of Eubanks is already getting involved in the family business. Eubanks and his wife, Janice, have engaged their four children in the operation.

Their 17-year-old son, Andrew, managed Charlie’s U-Pik this summer, while daughter, Allison, 16, is the farm’s social media and marketing manager. Younger sons, Joshua, 12, and Jacob, 9, also assist customers who come by to pick produce.

“People come from a 150-mile radius to pick their own vegetables each summer,” Eubanks says. “We really like this because it is our connection to the local community. We also participate in our local farmers market when we can, and our children

have helped out a lot with that.”

Eubanks says he was humbled and appreciative to be chosen as the Sunbelt Ag Expo Farmer of the Year for his native state.

“There’s nothing more satisfying to me than seeing a crop from start to finish,” he says. “It’s definitely challenging at times, mostly due to weather and markets, but there’s nothing else I would rather do. I feel like I am overly blessed to do what I love with my family alongside me.”

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

Allen and Janice are longtime George County Farm Bureau members. This article originally appeared in the Mississippi State University Extension Service’s Extension Matters magazine. Photographer: Kevin Hudson.

MARCH/APRIL 2016

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

13

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

Camille Scales Young is one of the most tion Scholarship, and he was on the board. others that I only hear about from friends personable and caring people you will ever I received the scholarship, and he and I kept and family members. My parents have defimeet. In her career, church and community in touch through the years.” nitely shaped who I am. My children often activities, she strives to make a positive After working with Farm Bureau for five see me folding clothes for someone who difference in the lives of others. She and is sick or taking food to someone who is her husband, Keith, are also raising their going through a difficult time. They know three children, Amber, Will and Kayla, to if they see a covered dish in the refrigerabe loving and fair people committed to tor there’s a good chance it is meant for building a better world. someone else.”

“To me, if you can make a difference in Another influence has been her church. the life of just one person, you will have sucCamille is a member of Pilgrim’s Rest Misceeded in life,” she said. sionary Baptist Church in Madison. She also Farm Bureau will definitely benefit from attends Vertical Church in Madison with her Camille’s attitude and philosophy as she and children because of its strong youth ministry. her team from Cornerstone Government “I grew up in a wonderful church in Affairs in Jackson help with our Public PolShannon, and my church here in Madison icy Program in the coming year. Camille is also great,” she said. “My church family began her career at Farm Bureau some 19 is there when I need them, and I try to be years ago after graduating from Mississippi there for them when they need me.”

State University, so this will The 4-H program has Camille served a term as president of Mississippi State University’s National also been important in her be a homecoming for her.

“I was working in the life. Camille serves on the Alumni Association, was named one of the Mississippi Business Journal’s Communications DepartMississippi 4-H Foundation Top 50 Leading Business Women in Mississippi and Top 40 under 40 ment at the state office Board of Trustees. when David Waide was Business Leaders in Mississippi. She was named a Woman of Distinction for “Outside of my family elected president,” she said. and church, 4-H has had the Girl Scouts. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and a “One day, he passed me in the biggest impact on me,” member of the PTO board of directors for Germantown middle school and the hall and asked me if I she said. “I can’t say enough high school.

She is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Jackson. would be interested in lobgood things about the 4-H bying. When I said sure, he program. My association She has worked with Cornerstone Government Affairs for four years. explained that Vernon Gayle with 4-H has helped me was retiring. ‘Go follow Vernon around the years, Camille was employed at the law firm strengthen my God-given talents and has Capitol and learn everything he can teach of Watkins, Ludlum, Winter and Stennis pointed me in the direction of using them you,’ he said. for 10 years. for the benefit of myself and others.”

“It was a wonderful opportunity, and “I learned so much from working with Last but not least, there is Farm Bureau.

I came to love the Capitol. I also came to Gov. Winter. He treats all people equally “I will always be grateful to Don Waller, dearly love Vernon Gayle. He was one of and with kindness,” she said. “He also leads David Waide, the late Bert White, Betty Mills the many mentors I have had in my career.” by example. Because of his influence, I make and all of the other staff members and volAnother mentor has been former Mis- a point of doing the same. I am fortunate unteer leaders who have given me their supsissippi Governor William Winter. to have learned from him, and I adore him.” port, guidance and encouragement through “I met Gov. Winter when I was a senior Camille says her parents also strive to the years,” she said. “I am excited to be back.” at Shannon High School,” she said. “I was a make a positive difference in the world.

Farm Bureau is equally excited to welfinalist for the Coca Cola Scholars Founda“My dad and my mother do things for come Camille home. FB

MARCH/APRIL 2016

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

15

Land Program Update

BY BRITTON HATCHER, MFBF Land Program & Aquaculture Commodity Coordinator Region 3 Regional Manager

Land Ownership Offers Opportunities

As I began pondering what I wanted to write, I starting thinking about land and the opportunities it offers. Land is one of those possessions so coveted that it literally has caused wars between countries and feuds between families. For many, the American Dream consists of owning a home and, for some, a parcel of land. Oftentimes, we tend to lose sight of just how fortunate we are to live in a free country where we can buy land for our own use and dreams. While growing up in a small rural town in the Mississippi Delta and working with Farm Bureau and Mississippi State, I have been given the opportunity to interact with some of the greatest people on earth … farmers and ranchers.

I will never forget the time I worked in the livestock barn at our state fair, and as I watched young children wrestle with cows as they took them to the show ring, I knew immediately this was something I wanted my children to be a part of. Because of this one event, my wife and I began searching for our very own parcel of land in hopes that we would one day be fortunate enough to raise our children on it. Recently, we made the leap and purchased a little spot in the coun-

try. It’s not a big parcel by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s ours, a place we’re very proud of and one we look forward to making our own memories on.

I tell you this because, once we purchased our land, it didn’t take me long to begin thinking of ways for it to help pay for itself. This leads me to ask you one simple question: Have you ever stopped to think about ways to make money from your land?

Believe it or not, outside of the “traditional” methods, there are other ways of generating income from your land. Agritourism and fee hunting are two examples, to name a few.

So what is agritourism? Simply put, it’s where agriculture and tourism collide. It provides the public an opportunity to visit a working farm or ranch to buy products, participate in activities, eat a meal and even enjoy entertainment. Farmers, ranchers and even rural landowners throughout Mississippi are embracing this concept, which is providing new opportunities to generate income.

Agritourism is growing in Mississippi because people are becoming disconnected from the farm. Years ago, a majority of the population in the U.S. lived on farms.

Now, it’s quite the opposite. Agritourism

becomes the family vehicle to escape city life momentarily while providing parents with an opportunity to educate their children. They get to see firsthand that food isn’t manufactured in a grocery store but grown on a farm and that milk actually does come from a cow — not a carton!

Another segment that has continued to grow has been fee hunting. This isn’t a new concept at all, but one that has really provided landowners with an opportunity to generate extra income … and it doesn’t look like a trend that will end anytime soon.

Hunters are searching for higher-quality hunts, and rural landowners around the country are finding that they can provide these hunting opportunities as a means of generating extra income.

As you can see, landowners have options to generate income. I would suggest that anyone interested in pursuing opportunities on their property should proceed like any other business venture.

Do your homework by attending courses and by consulting with others in the business, including insurance professionals, attorneys and anyone else who could help to minimize your risks. FB

Arant to Chair YF&R State Committee

David Arant Jr., 33, has been elected by his peers to chair the 2016 Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) State Committee. He will also serve as the young farmer representative on the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Board of Directors.

David farms rice, soybeans and corn with his family in Leflore and Sunflower counties. He and his wife, Rebekkah, have two sons. He is the grandson of the late Hugh Arant, a past MFBF president.

16

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

The old antique wood-burning stove is an interesting piece of memorabilia.

MARCH/APRIL 2016

Discussion Meet Winner J. Tedrick Ratcliff Jr., executive vice president of the Mississippi Forestry Association, won the state Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Discussion Meet contest held in December at state convention. Tedrick made it into the Sweet Sixteen semifinals in national competition in January.

As the state YF&R Discussion Meet winner, Tedrick received a 4-wheeler from Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company (SFBLIC). Making the presentation is SFBLIC Director of Marketing Operations Bengie Goff. Tedrick was also presented $500 from Southern AgCredit and $500 from Watson Quality Ford. Each Discussion Meet participant received $100 from Southern AgCredit, and each YF&R Discussion Meet finalist received $250 from Southern AgCredit.

Tedrick resides in Rankin County. FB

MARCH/APRIL 2016

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

17

A Respected

Friend

Lawyer, Mentor &

B Y K R I S T I E D R O G E , M F B F PA R A L E G A L

My work relationship — and friendship — with Sam Scott began many years ago when I interviewed with him and asked him what he expected of me, letting him know quickly that my skills far outweighed pouring coffee. He smiled that grandfatherly smile that I came to love and appreciate, and told me he only expected me to give 100 percent. Many years after he hired me, he told me that my bluntness about pouring coffee was one of the very reasons he hired me, but he was proud of how much I had matured and how many cups of coffee I had poured since that interview. I cringed at the thought of how unprofessional and egotistical that must have sounded, and wondered if I would ever find redemption for such an ignorant comment.

Someone recently asked me what made working with Sam so wonderful. I told her that early in our relationship we began weathering many of life’s events together – car wrecks, illnesses, deaths of friends and family, marriages and surgeries, and through those different circumstances, we learned we just worked. Sam wanted me to move forward in my career and personal life, and he encouraged me to do everything I could to make that happen. Sam saw something in me that either I didn’t see or didn’t believe I had, and I have no idea what path my life would’ve taken had Sam not been a part of it. I am ever thankful to not know.

Sam enjoyed life to the fullest. In addition to being an accomplished lawyer, he was an educator, a pipe collector, a pilot, a racecar driver, a writer, a vintage car collector, 18

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

an avid traveler, an art collector, and many other things. Sam lived life to the fullest as long as he could and enjoyed every minute of it. He loved to share his experiences in hopes others would be encouraged to live a full life as well. Sam never took for granted his blessings, and he always paid it forward, without keeping track or expecting anything in return. That is probably the one characteristic of Sam that I most admired.

Sam was respected by his peers, colleagues and co-workers. In their own words:

“As my mentor, Sam gave me my first lawsuit to answer within days after I started practicing law more than 35 years ago. I reviewed the thin file and concluded venue was improper — that the plaintiff had filed suit in the wrong county. I sheepishly went to Sam’s office and explained that I thought venue was improper. He listened, patiently as always, and only barely cracked a smile when I concluded by asking the incredibly naive question, ‘But would it really matter whether the case is in one county or the next; would it really make any difference?’

With characteristic equanimity, he replied calmly and authoritatively, ‘The difference between winning and losing.’ This was Sam’s way. I was young and stupid, but he could always deliver a valuable and highly memorable lesson without making me feel young and stupid. His understated good humor and unfailingly dignified and respectful manner set him apart as a great lawyer, a great mentor and a great friend.”

— KEITH RAULSTON, attorney

“Sam was truly one of the finest people I ever had the pleasure of knowing. So humble, kind and considerate — just not many like him. I consider myself fortunate to have had Sam as a friend.”

— TIM LINDSAY, attorney and colleague “But most of all, you gave me the greatest gift I could receive — your friendship.”

— BILL BRODRICK, confidant and friend

“I got to know him and treasure him as a kind and generous man, both professionally, as he mentored younger attorneys, and personally, as he stepped forward so quickly to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.”

— CATHY SHIFLETT, retired paralegal and former co-worker

“When visiting with my good friend Sam, I usually left with new insight on whatever the topic of the day, whether it was business or casual. Sam graciously shared his vast knowledge, and by doing so, he had a way of making you think of different ideas, reasons, causes, viewpoints and logic about many topics. I still use many things I’ve learned from Sam and am grateful for his friendship and the insight I gained from him.”

— ED SENTELL, retired senior vice president general counsel, Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company

Sam Scott will truly be missed at Farm Bureau. He was perhaps the most knowledgeable attorney I ever talked with about Farm Bureau. He knew the separation of

Sam is pictured with granddaughters, Ellen and Maddie.

Sam Scott and Kristie Droge are pictured at his retirement reception.

the Federation and insurance companies and understood both to the fullest. Since my years at the Federal Intermediate Credit Bank when I first came to know Sam, I came to admire and respect him for his vast knowledge of corporate dealings and understanding. I truly believe Farm Bureau has become the entity it has become because Sam was part of both the Federation and insurance operations. I can’t think of an individual I respected any more than I did Mr. Scott.

— DAVID WAIDE, past MFBF president

The common thought of his many friends who have reached out to me has been “my life is better because of Sam.” I can certainly attest to that, but my most treasured quote was not one about Sam but one by Sam to me: “It was a real blessing for me when you came into my life…you have become as a daughter to me.”

20

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

The first thing Sam said to me during my last visit was, “It’s not good.” Nothing else needed to be said about the state of his health. That visit was one of the saddest, yet most rewarding, visits we ever had.

We talked for several hours about a myriad of subjects, the whole time knowing in my heart it would be my last conversation with him. Before I left, I asked Sam if I could get anything for him. He told me there was one thing he’d love to have and that was a good cup of coffee. I couldn’t help but smile like a fool, knowing, on my last visit with him, I was about to redeem myself for that foolish comment made so many years ago on my first visit with him.

Over the years, I saw Sam in many ways — sitting behind his desk writing a brief, enjoying a slow ride down Old Hwy 51 in his 1968 MG or a fast ride down I-55 in his beloved Ferrari, reveling in the festive spirit of “Friday Lunch” at Galatoire’s, devastated

by his cancer diagnosis, lighting up when talking about his grandchildren and commanding the attention of the courtroom.

But most of all, I saw his genuine care and concern each and every day for his family, friends and clients. And today, when I see Sam, he’s on heaven’s streets of gold telling stories, just...strollin’. FB

Sam Scott practiced law

for over 50 years and taught at the graduate level at both the University of Mississippi and Jackson State University. He was a member of many organizations and the Methodist Church. He was named by his peers as one the Best Lawyers in America. He is survived by his wife, three children and seven grandchildren. Kristie Droge continues to work as a paralegal in the general counsel’s office at Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation.

MARCH/APRIL 2016

Farm Bureau Ambassador Jessica Smith, 20, of Pearl River County has been selected as the 2016 Farm Bureau Ambassador.

The Mississippi State University junior, with a double major in agricultural communications and communications, will receive a $4,000 scholarship and serve in the coming year as a spokesperson for Farm Bureau and agriculture at meetings and events around the state.

Read about Jessica in the next issue of Mississippi Farm Country magazine.

This contest is sponsored annually by the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Programs. Jessica is pictured with MFBF President Mike McCormick and State Women’s Committee Chair Betty Mills. FB

MARCH/APRIL 2016

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

21

En j

le ty

h t l i e a r Li e H fes a oy B Y G LY N D A P H I L L I P S

W

hether your goal is to lose weight or to simply enjoy a healthier lifestyle, Nancy Freeman of Harrison County encourages you to begin by making small changes. Nancy, who is featured in a cooking segment called “Mississippi on the Menu” offered by the Farm Families of Mississippi® Ag Promotion Campaign, is all about healthy eating. Through changing her own diet and exercise habits, Nancy lost 50 pounds in the past year.

“I always say you didn’t wake up a bigger size so you won’t wake up smaller,” she said.

“It will take time, so go easy on yourself.”

Here are some changes that worked for her.

• Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet.

“It is an easy change that can yield great benefits,” she said. “I prefer fresh produce followed by frozen then canned produce, in that order. In season, visit farmers markets or grocery stores that sell local produce. Fresh locally grown foods are a higher quality and more nutritious. They will also stay fresh much longer than foods that are transported here cross-country or from other countries.”

• Pay attention to the portions you consume. “If it is healthier to eat just a cup of something, make sure you are eating just a cup and not two or three cups,” Nancy said.

“Pay attention to your portions.”

• Plan your meals. “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail,” she said. “It doesn’t have to

Alcorn22County Courthouse MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

be elaborate. Look for what I call ‘plannedovers.’ Cook extra and put some of it in the freezer for later. Or make what I call a ‘master mix.’ Cook lots of seasoned chicken or ground beef, package and freeze the meats, then use them later for soups, pot pies, tacos or burritos. I do a baked macaroni and cheese dish, which I cut into portions, put in freezer bags and freeze. On nights when I am in a hurry or just too tired to cook a big meal, I will brown some ham to go with the macaroni dish and maybe have some squash or another vegetable. One of my favorite ways to do veggies is to take squash, eggplant, onions, carrots and sometimes even broccoli and cauliflower, throw in some olive oil and balsamic vinegar, wrap all of it in aluminum foil and bake it in the oven at 425 degrees for about 20 minutes.

It is really good.”

• Keep up with what you are eating. “Keep a journal,” she said. “You will be surprised by what you are not eating and sometimes by what you are eating. Once you’ve planned some meals, write them down in your journal. You can go back and refer to what you’ve done in the past and see what worked for you. Also, look at your personal habits. No one food plan works for everyone.

People who don’t cook will need to look at other ways to eat healthy. Most restaurants and even fast-food places now have salads as well as baked and broiled foods. You can order your salad dressing on the side.”

• Encourage your children to help you prepare healthy meals. “If your children help you prepare healthy foods, they are more apt to eat them,” Nancy said. “I like to see families cooking together. If a family can make a good healthy meal together and eat it together, this gives them a chance to visit.”

Nancy says there is a place for convenience food in a diet, but only as an accompaniment to real food.

“It is all about balance and portions and taking the time to plan,” she said. “It not only saves you a lot of time, it saves you money. You won’t be running to the grocery store to pick up extra items for meals. You will have what you need on hand. You can just grab it and prepare your meal.”

• Exercise. “I love to ride my recumbent bicycle along the trails in this area,” she said. “You can ride a bike or walk or swim or dance. You can take up tennis if you’ve always wanted to or if you played years ago and want to do so again. There are lots of things you can do.”

Nancy says she hopes you will begin taking small steps toward healthier eating habits and a healthier lifestyle in 2016. Some of her favorite recipes can be found on page 24. FB A retired Harrison County Extension Office director, Nancy Freeman was previously featured on a cooking show with a Gulf Coast television station for 18 years.

Historic Corinth Depot and Crossroads Museum

MARCH/APRIL 2016

“I LIKE TO SEE FAMILIES COOKING TOGETHER. IF A FAMILY CAN MAKE A GOOD HEALTHY MEAL TOGETHER AND EAT IT TOGETHER, THIS GIVES THEM A CHANCE TO VISIT.”

NANCY FREEMAN

Nancy’s Baked Macaroni and Cheese

1 stick butter 16-oz. pkg. elbow macaroni 1 ½ teaspoon salt 1 ½ teaspoon black pepper 3 cups or a 12-ounce pkg. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded 4 cups whole milk 1 can condensed cheese soup Large can evaporated milk 3 strips bacon 1 ½ - 2 cups panko crumbs 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place butter

in 9 x 13-inch baking dish and put in oven to melt.

2. Whisk together condensed cheese soup, whole milk and evaporated milk in a separate container and set aside.

3. When margarine is completely melted, pour in uncooked macaroni, salt and pepper. Stir until macaroni is coated with butter.

4. Sprinkle cheese over macaroni and then pour milk mixture over all. Do not stir and do not cover dish. Bake in preheated oven for 60 minutes. Do not stir while baking.

5. Cook bacon strips in a skillet until crisp.

Place on paper towels to drain. Crumble bacon and set aside.

6. Wipe out skillet to remove excess bacon grease. Toss panko crumbs in skillet, stirring to toast.

7. Mix bacon crumbles and toasted crumbs and sprinkle on top of macaroni and cheese before serving.

Barbecue Pork Skillet

4 New York (top loin) pork chops, 3/4-inch thick 1 teaspoon vegetable oil ¼ cup Italian dressing ¼ cup barbecue sauce 1. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high

heat and brown chops about 1 minute on each side.

24

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

Recipese

2. Add remaining ingredients to pan, stir-

ring to blend.

3. Cover and simmer for 5-8 minutes until internal temperature on a thermometer reads 145 degrees Fahrenheit, followed by a 3-minute rest time.

Serves 4.

Recipe Source: PorkBeInspired.com

Crispy Baked Catfish Nuggets

Vegetable oil cooking spray ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese or finely grated extra sharp Cheddar cheese ½ cup plain, dry breadcrumbs ¼ teaspoon garlic powder Dash white pepper ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish fillets (5 ounces each) cut into nuggets ½ teaspoon paprika 1. Position oven rack on the bottom shelf of

the oven. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Spray baking sheet with cooking spray

several times to coat.

3. In a shallow dish, combine cheese, bread-

crumbs, garlic powder and white pepper. In another dish, whisk together lemon juice and olive oil.

4. Roll nuggets in lemon juice oil mixture, then roll in cheese mixture. Dust with paprika and spray lightly with cooking spray.

Place catfish on prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350 degrees, and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, until crust is golden and fish flakes easily.

Note: Catfish nuggets may be prepared and frozen for your family to enjoy at a later date.

Simply follow the above directions. Once the fish is removed from the oven, allow to cool to room temperature. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to one month.

When ready to enjoy again, remove fish from

the freezer and place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake in a 400-degree preheated oven for 15 minutes and reduce temperature to 350 for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until crust is golden.

Recipe Source: The Catfish Institute www.uscatfish.com

Pasta with Fresh Vegetables

8 ounces uncooked penne pasta 1 cup sliced fresh carrots 1 tablespoon olive oil ½ teaspoon minced garlic 1 cup fresh broccoli florets 1 cup sliced yellow summer squash 1 cup chopped green pepper 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano or ¼ teaspoon dried oregano ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 3 cups chopped fresh plum tomatoes 5 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese 1. Cook pasta according to package direc-

tions; drain.

2. In a large nonstick skillet, sauté the carrots

in oil until crisp-tender.

3. Add the garlic; cook for 1-2 minutes or

until garlic is tender.

4. Stir in the tomatoes, broccoli, squash,

green pepper and seasonings.

5. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer,

uncovered, for 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

6. Stir in pasta; sprinkle with cheese.

These recipes are provided by Farm Families of Mississippi and prepared by Nancy Freeman, consultant.

For more information about the Farm Families of Mississippi Ag Promotion Campaign, contact Greg Gibson at (601) 977-4154 or visit the website at www.growingmississippi.org.

MARCH/APRIL 2016

Lap Throws

Afghan lap throws with the Ag in the Classroom artwork (the same as the T-shirts) are now available for $40 from the state office. The throws are maroon and are 51 inches by 38 inches in size. • For more information, contact Pam Jones at pjones@msfb.org or (601) 977-4854.

CALENDAR of EVENTS

MARCH 1 Ag Day at the Capitol

Jackson

MARCH 4-6 YF&R Leadership Conference

Memphis

MARCH 15 Teacher of the Year Deadline

MARCH 17 Women’s Day at the Capitol Jackson

APRIL 7 Magnolia Beef & Poultry Expo

APRIL 22 Women’s Conference

MFBF Building, Jackson APRIL 26-27 Secretaries’ Conference Table 100, Flowood

MAY 15 Deadline for Teacher/

Volunteer AITC Workshops

JUNE 1 Scholarships Deadline

JUNE 7-9 Teacher/Volunteer AITC Workshops Hattiesburg, Jackson, Hernando MARCH/APRIL 2016

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

25

2015 State Convention

Convention keynote speaker was Gov. Phil Bryant. He is pictured with Farm Woman of the Year Christine Fielder is pictured with members of the MFBF President Mike McCormick.

State Women’s Committee.

Covington County Farm Bureau was presented the 2015 Agricultural Rep. Bobby Shows of Jones County received the 2015 Friend of AgriculDisplay Award. ture Award.

Gifts were presented during the Women’s Breakfast to the Mustard Seed A Mississippi Pennies donation was presented to Batesville Elementary of Brandon. Shown are Mustard Seed Secretary/Treasurer Cindy Chew and School. Pictured with Batesville Elementary School Principle LaSherry Irby Mustard Seed Executive Director Del Harrington. The gifts were collected is State Women’s Committee Chair Betty Mills. by volunteer leaders across the state.

26

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

MARCH/APRIL 2016

2015 State Convention

A new Ford F-150, sponsored by Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insur- As state winners of the 2015 Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement ance Company, was presented to William and Cala Tabb, state winners of Award, William and Cala Tabb received 250 hours use of a Kubota tracthe 2015 Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award. tor, sponsored by Kubota Tractor. Making the presentation is Cheri Parker.

William and Cala Tabb received 100 hours use of a John Deere tractor, Congressmen Trent Kelly (MS-1) and Gregg Harper (MS-3) participated sponsored by John Deere. The Tabbs are state winners of the 2015 Young in convention activities.

Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award.

Jackson County Farm Bureau received the President’s Award as the best The Ag in the Classroom Workshop featured Agriculture Book of the Year overall county program.

“Millie’s Chickens” and related activities.

28

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

MARCH/APRIL 2016

MARCH/APRIL 2016

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

29

2015 State Convention

Women’s Outstanding Achievement Awards for 2015 were presented to Hinds County - Community Service; Bolivar County - Agriculture in the Classroom; Marion County - Youth Safety Volunteer; and Jackson County - Information, Organization and Government Relations.

Outstanding county Farm Bureau women’s programs in each district include: District 1 - DeSoto County; District 2 - Itawamba County; District 3 - Covington County; District 4 - Yalobusha County; District 5 - Amite County; District 6 - Leake County; District 7 - Perry County; and District 8 - Warren County.

State Treasurer Lynn Fitch addressed the annual Women’s Breakfast on Winners of the Mike Blankenship Outstanding County Safety Award Sunday morning. in North Mississippi are Itawamba, Panola and Yalobusha County Farm Bureaus.

The winner of the Mike Blankenship Outstanding County Safety Award for The winner of the Mike Blankenship Outstanding County Safety Award for Central Mississippi is Smith County Farm Bureau.

South Mississippi is Marion County Farm Bureau.

30

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

MARCH/APRIL 2016

ADVERTISEMENT

2015 State Convention

Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture winners Matthew and Gaea Hock received a zero-turn lawnmower, sponsored by Southern AgCredit, and an expense-paid trip from Farm Bureau to the 2016 American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida. Making the presentation on behalf of Southern AgCredit is Andrew Ritter.

Pictured are members of the 2016 State Women’s Leadership Committee, Betty Mills, chair, and Shelby Williams, vice chair. Other committee members are Deniese Swindoll, Dist. 1; Kay Perkins, Dist. 2; Peggy McKey, Dist. 3; Jody Bailey, Dist. 4; Betty Edwards, Dist 5; Joan Thompson, Dist.

6; Carolyn Turner, Dist. 7; and Wanda Hill, Dist. 8.

The Gary Chittom Membership Award (1750 members and above category) The Gary Chittom Membership Award was awarded to Wilkinson County and J. K. Simpson Memorial Award went to Pontotoc County Farm Bureau. Farm Bureau in the less than 1750 members category.

Contemporary Christian music artist and pastor Erik Bledsoe was featured Speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives Philip Gunn particiduring the Sunday morning Worship Service. pated in convention activities.

32

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

MARCH/APRIL 2016

2015 State Convention

Emma Jumper of Oktibbeha County is the Mississippi Farm Bureau Colle- Mississippi FFA state officers are pictured with their booth. They were giate Discussion Meet winner. She received a Yeti cooler from the Mississippi also in charge of the Posting of Colors during the opening General Session.

Farm Bureau Insurance Sales Department plus $200 and an expense-paid trip from Farm Bureau to the American Farm Bureau Federation Collegiate Discussion Meet, where she will compete nationally.

Outstanding county Farm Bureau programs in each region include: Region The Young Farmers & Ranchers silent and live auctions were a great 1 - DeSoto County; Region 2 - Itawamba County; Region 3 - Montgomery success this year.

County; Region 4 - Monroe County; Region 5 - Simpson County; Region 6 - Jones County; Region 7 - Walthall County; and Region 8 - Jackson County.

Randy Windham and the Gospel Strings entertained during the President’s Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Cindy Hyde-Smith Reception and presented the devotional during closing General Session. participated in the convention program.

34

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

MARCH/APRIL 2016

Grain Bin Simulator With grant funds from the Monsanto Company, the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Safety Division built a Mobile Grain Bin Simulator that is now available for county Farm Bureaus and fire departments throughout the state and in the surrounding states of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee.

The goal of the unit is to improve farm safety awareness by better educating farmers, farm workers and first responders about the dangers of working around grain bins. The unit will also work collaboratively with the Mississippi State Fire Academy in Pearl and their extension program to reach rural first responders who would be called to incidents of grain bin entrapments on the farm.

The MFBF Safety Division is responsible for the coordination and movement of the new Mobile Grain Bin Simulator. If you would like to book it, contact Angela Ellis at (601) 977-4242. Firemen get three Pictured with Monsanto representatives Sam Soignier and Khusi Tiwari are Safety SpecialCRS hours for participating in the program. FB ists John Hubbard, Benton Moseley and Trey Pope and MFBF President Mike McCormick.

MARCH/APRIL 2016

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

35

Andy Brown is Region One Regional Manager Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) is pleased to announce that Andy Brown is regional manager for Region One. Andy is a graduate of Starkville High School and Mississippi State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Ag Economics and a Master of Science degree in Agronomy. Before coming to Mississippi Farm

Bureau, Andy worked as the assistant to the soybean specialist at Mississippi State University and as a field services director with Louisiana Farm Bureau, where he serviced seven parishes in North Louisiana.

Andy’s counties are Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tate, Tallahatchie and Tunica. He lives near Senatobia. FB

The 2015 State Resolutions Meeting, held in Jackson this fall, enjoyed great participation. Sharkey County row crop farmer Josh Miller (not pictured here) served as the committee chair.

36

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

MARCH/APRIL 2016

!

See Page 29 for a list of our Farm Bureau Member Benefits.

MARCH/APRIL 2016

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

37

Millie’s Chickens

The 2016 Ag Book of the Year is “Millie’s Chickens” by Brenda Williams, illustrated by Valeria Cis. One of Millie’s hens, Silkie, gets lost but is quickly found with a clutch of eggs. Millie is kept contentedly busy looking after the chickens and the new baby chicks.

The book has an informative text on keeping chickens, chicken anatomy, the parts of an egg and the life cycle of chickens as well as suggestions of different cooking methods for eggs.

“Millie’s Chickens” sells for $6 and can be ordered by calling Pam Jones at (601) 977-4854. We also have a limited number of past ag books of the year, “The Bee Man,” “Seed, Soil, Sun” and “Who Grew My Soup?” FB 38

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

MARCH/APRIL 2016