Mississippi Farm Country

A Publication of Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation • MSFB.org

MAY/JUNE 2012

VOLUME 88 NO. 3

3MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

CONTENTS

Features1100 AG COMMISSIONER In this issue, Commissioner ofAgriculture Cindy Hyde-Smith talksabout her commitment to stateagriculture and her plans for the future.

1188 SOLVE THE MYSTERYWhich Forrest County town locatednear Hattiesburg is named for thedaughter of its first postmaster? Noother town in the nation has this name.Read the clues and make your guess.

2244 MONT HELENAEach year, the residents of Rolling Forkpresent a popular play in a turn-of-the-century Colonial Revival mansion builtatop a ceremonial Indian mound.Come with us as we learn more.

Departments44 President’s Message66 Commodity Update: Soybeans77 Commodity Update: Dairy 2200 Counsel’s Corner2222 Member Benefits Spotlight

About the coverAmerican farmers plant hundreds of thousands of trees each year. Trees moderate the climate,improve air quality, conserve water and harbor wildlife. Trees benefit us all. Charles Dismukes ofKilmichael is the 2011 Mississippi Forestry Association Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year. Readhis story on pages 8 & 9.

“Our mission is to create an environment inwhich Mississippi farmers, ranchers, and

Farm Bureau members can have a better lifeand make a better living.”

MMIISSSSIISSSSIIPPPPII FFAARRMM CCOOUUNNTTRRYYVolume 88 Number 3May/June 2012

MMiissssiissssiippppii FFaarrmm CCoouunnttrryy(ISSN 1529-9600) magazine ispublished bimonthly by the

Mississippi Farm Bureau® Federation.

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

Postmaster: Send address changes toP. O. Box 1972, Jackson, MS 39215

EDITORIAL and BUSINESS OFFICES6311 Ridgewood Road Jackson, MS 39211601-977-4153

EEDDIITTOORR - Glynda Phillips

AADDVVEERRTTIISSIINNGGAngela Thompson

1-800-227-8244 ext. 4242

FFAARRMM BBUURREEAAUU OOFFFFIICCEERRSSPresident – Randy Knight

Vice President – Donald GantVice President – Ted KendallVice President – Reggie Magee

Treasurer – Billy DavisCorporate Secretary – Ilene Sumrall

FFAARRMM BBUURREEAAUU DDIIRREECCTTOORRSSCarla Taylor, BoonevilleMike Graves, Ripley

Ronald Jones, Holly Springs Bill Ryan Tabb, ClevelandRandle Wright, VardamanNeal Huskison, PontotocMike Langley, HoustonBobby Moody, Louisville

Wanda Hill, IsolaJames Foy, Canton

Fred Stokes, PortervilleJames Brewer, ShubutaDavid Boyd, Sandhill

Lonnie Fortner, Port GibsonJeff Mullins, Meadville

Mike McCormick, Union ChurchLyle Hubbard, Mt. OliveGerald Moore, Petal

J. B. Brown, PerkinstonKen Mallette, VancleaveBetty Mills, WinonaJason Hill, Woodland

HHOONNOORRAARRYY VVIICCEE--PPRREESSIIDDEENNTTSSLouis BreauxWarren Oakley

Material in this publication is based on what the editorbelieves to be reliable information. Neither Mississippi FarmBureau Federation nor those individuals or organizationscontributing to the MFBF publication assume any liabilityfor errors that might go undetected in the publication —this includes statements in articles or advertisements thatcould lead to erroneous personal or business managementdecisions.

FARM BUREAU®, FB® and all Farm Bureau logos used inthis magazine are registered service marks owned by theAmerican Farm Bureau Federation. They may not be usedin any commercial manner without the prior written consentof the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Design: Coopwood Communications, Inc.

MAY/JUNEMISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY4

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Randy Knight, PresidentMississippi Farm Bureau Federation

Commodity Program Strengthens Agriculture’s Voice

As a third-generation Rankin County dairy farmer, I have watchedwith concern and regret as our dairy industry has changed dramati-cally in recent years. In 1999, Mississippi was home to 350 dairies.Today, we can claim only 109 Grade A dairies and two dairy pro-cessing facilities. Unfortunately, this type of trend can be foundthroughout the Southeast and across much of the nation. Economics is a big factor. Prices have fluctuated wildly in the last

20 years, while input costs have steadily increased. Dairy farmers en-joy good prices when they can get them, but milk is costly to produceso it’s often difficult to realize much of a net gain. The recession hasalso hurt. Add Hurricane Katrina’s destructive visit plus an aging pop-ulation of dairy farmers, and you can better understand our dilemma. What a shame. Every time a dairy closes, not only is that farmer

hurt, so is the community. Many small towns, especially in the south-western corner of the state, depend economically upon the contribu-tions made by a strong local dairy industry. Losing dairies will also hurt consumers. If the trend continues,

Mississippians will begin paying more for their milk and will nolonger have access to the freshest milk product possible. Already,Mississippi and other states across the Southeast must truck milk infrom other states so that their processing facilities can remain in op-eration. Farm Bureau is working closely with dairy producers across the

state and nation to surface solutions to these types of challenges. Weall want a strong dairy industry that will remain a vital part of agri-culture for many years to come. Besides the obvious economic ben-efits, dairying is a way of life and a tradition in many areas of our stateand nation.All of this brings me to the focus of my column, the Mississippi

Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Commodity Program. I use thedairy industry as an example, but Farm Bureau’s efforts extend far be-yond dairy. We represent all of Mississippi’s recognized agriculturalcommodities, and each of these commodities has its own unique op-portunities and concerns.Several years ago, we “decentralized” our commodity program by

taking it out of the state office and giving the responsibilities to ourregional managers. This approach has made information more ac-cessible to producers and has caused Farm Bureau to become moreaware of the needs of the individual commodity groups. We enjoy abetter attendance at our meetings, and farmers are more involved inthe policy development and implementation process. All of thismakes for a stronger voice in the Mississippi Legislature and U.S.Congress.Briefly, here’s how the program works. Each commodity has a

county and a state advisory committee, comprised of the farmers whoproduce it. The state advisory committee chair and vice chair are ap-

pointed by the MFBF president. Committee members work togetherto identify issues of interest and to help formulate the resolutions thatmay eventually become the policies that will guide our legislative ef-forts each year. We also support our land-grant universities’ research,extension and teaching efforts. Our regional managers and the commodities for which they are re-

sponsible include Justin Ferguson, Region 1, cotton, soybeans andrice; Terry Norwood, Region 2, apiculture; Britton Hatcher, Region3, aquaculture and corn, wheat and feed grains; Samantha Webb, Re-gion 4, peanuts and sweet potatoes; Matt Bayles, Region 5, equineand swine; Jon Kilgore, Region 6, poultry and beef; Doug Ervin, Re-gion 7, dairy and land; and Kevin Brown, Region 8, forestry and hor-ticultural crops.

If you haven’t taken advantage of this program, I encourage youto do so. Call the state office at (601) 977-4230 for more information.In conclusion, I want to thank you for supporting Mississippi farm-

ers. Agriculture is our state’s number one industry, and helping farm-ers succeed benefits us all. Whether they are involved in dairying orbeef cattle, farm-raised catfish or row crop production, Mississippifarmers grow the food and fiber that feed, clothe and shelter theworld. They deserve our attention and our respect. Besides, they truly are some of the nicest and hardest-working

folks that you will ever have the pleasure of knowing.

Mississippi Dissents In March, the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF)

Board of Directors voted unanimously to formally dissentfrom American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) policy overits current language concerning the upcoming farm bill.

“We feel that American Farm Bureau Federation policyrelated to the farm bill does not adequately address theneeds of Mississippi producers,” said MFBF President RandyKnight. “We have notified AFBF that we will work with ourcongressional delegation in a different direction in order tohave farm policy that will better address the risks andhazards that we face here in Mississippi.”During the AFBF Annual Meeting activities in January,

Mississippi’s voting delegates offered amendments whichwould have allowed for a more flexible farm policy, one thatwould have taken into consideration some regional andcommodity differences. Ultimately, that effort failed.

5MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRYMAY/JUNE

When you donate to the Mis-sissippi Farm Bureau FederationPolitical Issues Committee (PIC),you assure that Farm Bureau’svoice will be heard on matters ofconcern to members. PIC fundsare used to promote the passage ordefeat of the following:

• Issues voted on by the state’sregistered voters• Measures voted on by mem-bers of the state Legislature• Specific issues voted on byspecific segments of thefarming community such asproducers of certain com-modities• National ballot issues

In recent years, PIC fundsmade it possible for Farm Bureauto conduct a very successful emi-nent domain reform campaign.PIC funds have also helped usmake a difference in these areas:

• Land-grant funding• Farm bill• Ad valorem taxes• Country of origin labeling• Disaster relief• Tort reform• Right to farm

Funds for the Political IssuesCommittee are collected through avoluntary checkoff on annualcounty Farm Bureau dues state-ments. Please consider donatingto PIC. Working together, throughPIC, we can truly make a differ-ence.For more information about

PIC, contact the Public Policy De-partment at (601) 977-4226.

The U.S. House of Representatives recentlyapproved legislation that would overturn a 2005Supreme Court decision called Kelo v. City ofNew London,which allows eminent domain to beused for private development.H.R. 1433, or the Private Property Rights

Protection Act as it is called, would bar govern-ment from using eminent domain for economicdevelopment and would withhold federal funding

to states unless they comply with the same stan-dard. It would also allow lawsuits for misuse ofthe procedure.Should the Senate decide to take up this leg-

islation, we will keep you updated on its status.You are encouraged to contact your senatorsabout this bill.For more information, contact the Public Pol-

icy Department at (601) 977-4226.

Mississippi Farm BureauFederation Honorary Vice Pres-ident David Holmes BennettSr., 90, of Ashland, died Feb.15. Bennett had also previouslyserved as a state vice presidentand state director for manyyears. He served as presidentand on the board of directorsof the Benton County Farm Bu-reau many times. Bennett was a 1942 graduate

of Mississippi State University

and served as a county agentfor the Mississippi State Uni-versity Extension Service be-fore starting his own farm,which remains in operation. He served as a member of

the Mississippi House of Rep-resentatives and as a Coloneland Aide de Camp to Gover-nor William Waller. He was adeacon and active member ofAshland Baptist Church. Heserved as a director for MFAOil and the Merchants and

Farmers Bank of Holly Springs.He was a veteran of the WorldWar II era, mustering out of theNavy as a Chief Petty Officer.His wife of 64 years,

Miriam Eugenia Grisham Ben-nett, preceded him in death.The Bennetts are survived bythree children, four grandchil-dren and seven great-grand-children.Please remember this family

in your prayers.

Commodity Program Strengthens Agriculture’s Voice

PIC Makes a Difference

U.S. House Passes Bill toOverturn Kelo Decision

In Memoriam: David Bennett Sr.

Mississippi FFA President Harrison Lang of Brandon and Vice President Jessica Wilkinson of Smithdalethanked the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Board of Directors for purchasing the six state FFAofficers’ jackets. Lang and Wilkinson are pictured with MFBF President Randy Knight.

Farm Bureau News


As chairman of the Mississippi Farm Bureau FederationSoybean Advisory Committee, I have been engaged in manyfarm policy discussions over the last six months concerningthe looming federal deficit this country is facing and howagriculture will likely be impacted by it. First and foremost, farmers are willing to do their part to

reduce the deficit. We understand that the stability of this na-tion is currently at risk. Our country is at a major crossroads,and some hard decisions have to be made by lawmakers. Weembrace the challenges ahead and are eager to work with pol-icymakers to address solutions to lower the deficit. However, as farmers, we remain somewhat concerned by

actions to target such a small fraction of the overall budgetfor deficit reduction measures. Many people may not beaware that, in 2012, the farm safety net accounted for lessthan one-half of one percent of the federal budget. Thatcomes to about 25 to 35 cents for every 100 dollars paid infederal taxes. We all know that Social Security and Medicare account

for about 33 percent of the federal budget, defense accountsfor about 19 percent and other programs account for about 37percent. In comparison, the budget for the entire U.S. De-partment of Agriculture, the agency that provides the safetynet for producers, is only 3.9 percent of federal spending, andof that, 74 percent is devoted to food and nutrition programs. Farmers also worry about the long-term implications or

unintended consequences of the actions of this deficit re-duction effort on agriculture. Currently, commodity prices arestrong. The safety net that we rely on has not been needed in

today’s markets. However, we all know that the commoditymarkets are highly cyclical in nature and will fall to lowerlevels at some point, many times below the cost of produc-tion. When that happens, we need to have assurance that thereis an adequate safety net in place that activates.Our ability to provide food, fiber and shelter for our coun-

try remains an issue of national security. The farm safety netin the farm program provides stability to ensure that ourcountry can sustain itself into the future and that we are notreliant on other countries for food. As we approach further deficit reduction discussions and

an upcoming farm bill debate, it is my hope that policymak-ers will realize that deficit reduction will not be successfulwithout addressing major entitlement programs and not agri-culture.

COMMODITY UPDATE: SOYBEANS

Bill Ryan Tabb, MFBF Soybean Advisory Committee ChairJustin Ferguson, MFBF Commodity Coordinator for Soybeans

FergusonTabb

Farm Programs Not the Answer for Deficit Reduction

Summer Commodity MeetingsMississippi Farm Bureau Federation

(MFBF) will again hold commoditymeetings during the summer months. Atpresstime, the cotton, dairy and honey

bee meetings had been scheduled. Seethe Calendar of Events on page 12 fordates and locations. More information will be made

available as schedules are firmed up.Contact Nancy Britt at (601) 977-4230,or visit our Web site at www.msfb.org.

Mississippi State University Exten-sion Service (MSU) recently an-nounced the following additions to itsstaff.Brandi Bourg has been hired as a

beef specialist. She can be reached by

email at [email protected] or at(662) 325-7465.Eric Stafne will serve as a fruit crops

specialist. He is located at MSU’sCoastal Research and Extension Centerin Poplarville. Stafne can be reached by

email at [email protected] or at(601) 403-8939.Trent Irby is the new soybean spe-

cialist. He can be reached by email [email protected] or at (662) 325-8616.

New Extension Specialists


In 2011, the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF)Dairy Advisory Committee again focused its efforts on aid-ing the dairy industry by attending numerous meetings acrossthe Southeast. MFBF also sponsored several local eventspromoting dairy throughout the state.The MFBF Dairy Advisory Committee for 2012 consists

of Donald Lowery, chair, from Marion County; Mike Fergu-son, vice chair, from Tate County; Max Anderson, past chair,from Newton County; Brad Bean, Amite County; Doug Pop-well, Walthall County; and David Fazzio, Harrison County.The number of dairy farms in Mississippi continues to fall.

We have only 109 dairy farms left in the state at this time. Ac-cording to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there were 289dairy herds in the state in early 2003, down from 302 in 2002and more than 600 at the end of 1995.

Dairy Facts An act to designate milk as the state beverage was adopted

by the Mississippi State Legislature during the 1984 regularsession. Milk has a long and rich history. Here are some otherfacts. Did you know?

• Sanskrit records mentioned milk 6,000 years ago.• The Bible describes the Promised Land as a land flow-ing with milk and honey.

• The Greek Physician Hippocrates recommended milk asa medicine some 2,300 years ago.• Christopher Columbus brought cattle to the New Worldon his second voyage.• It has been said that one reason for the high death rateamong those who traveled to the New World on theMayflower was that they had no fresh milk to drink.• Cows were brought from Europe to the Jamestowncolony in 1611 and to the Plymouth colony in 1624.• Cheese was an important item in the diet of the Vikings,who from about the 8th to the 10th centuries sailed theseas on long voyages.• Cheese was an article of commerce in ancient Rome.Monks developed the art of cheesemaking in Europe inthe Middle Ages.

The Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) program ap-proved a total of 37 bids from Bongards, Dairy Farmers ofAmerica, Darigold, Maryland and Virginia milk producers,Michigan milk producers, and United Dairymen of Arizonato export another 7.78 million pounds of cheese and butter.The sales of 378 million pounds of Cheddar, Gouda andMonterey Jack cheese and 4 million pounds of butter will gothe Asia, Central America, the Middle East and North Africa.The MFBF Dairy Advisory Committee and staff will con-

tinue to work diligently on issues pertinent to the dairy in-dustry in 2012.

Donald Lowery, MFBF Dairy Advisory Committee ChairDoug Ervin, MFBF Commodity Coordinator for Dairy

COMMODITY UPDATE: DAIRY

Committee has worked hard for producers

Land ConferenceThe Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Land

Program and the Natural Resource Enterprises Program atMississippi State University will offer a Landowner Confer-ence on June 26 at the MFBF Building in Jackson. Topics willinclude land issues and agritourism.For more information, contact Doug Ervin at (601) 624-

1705. To RSVP, contact Nancy Britt at (601) 977-4230.

ErvinLowery

CMAY/JUNEMISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY8

Charles Dismukes has been planting and harvesting trees his en-tire life. The 2011 Mississippi Forestry Association OutstandingTree Farmer of the Year beg an his journey at the ripe old age of 13.Now, almost 60 years later, he continues to operate a most produc-tive and beautiful tree farm near Kilmichael in Montgomery County. Through the years, what began as a solo effort through his local

4-H program has grown into a partnership with his wife Carolyn, withwhom he shares all honors. Charles is also founder of the Vaiden Tim-ber Company, for which Carolyn keeps books. People who work closely with nature usually have their priorities

straight, and Charles and Carolyn are no exception. They have cer-tain goals for their land, but they primarily just enjoy growing trees.Furthermore, it would seem that the entire Dismukes family possessesa passion for trees“I would almost say that it is genetic,” Charles said. “My family

worked in the logging and sawmilling industries all the way back tomy great-grandfather. My sons, Barry and Brian, now operate VaidenTimber Company, and my grandsons are majoring in forestry-relatedfields at Mississippi State University. Wilson is in land surveying, andGarrett is a student in the school of forestry.”

Then and NowAs a teenager, Charles was encouraged by his local 4-H youth

agent to begin a 4-H forestry project on family land. At that time, thefarm totaled 105 acres, with 65 acres in timber. A management planwas drawn up for him by a Mississippi State University (MSU) Ex-tension forester, and he began following it meticulously, ridding theproperty of undesirable trees so that only quality high-grade timberremained and planting 5,000 seedlings.For his efforts, Charles was selected state and national Forestry 4-

H Record winner and received a four-year scholarship, which he usedto earn a degree in forestry from MSU. He later signed the tree farminto the American Tree Farm System, where it has remained for some52 years. Through the years, Charles bought more land and continued to

learn, grow and apply his knowledge of forestry and share all of thiswith others. Today, the tree farm totals 1158 acres, of which 1140acres is in woodland. The land consists of 10 tracts in three counties.Over 75 percent of the land is in planted pine plantation and the restconsists of approximately 200 acres of old growth pine and 80 acresof upland hardwoods.

Tree Farmer of the YearBy Glynda Phillips

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRYMAY/JUNE

The Dismukes’ tree farm is home to white-tailed deer, turkey, rabbits, squirrels and quail.Songbirds of many species share the habitat asdo wood ducks on the several ponds where thefamily maintains duck boxes. The farm includes 10 miles of roads, six

miles of hiking trails and 15 miles of firebreaks.You will find a teepee and a cabin that are usedfor recreational and educational activities andfield days. Wildlife plots are planted for huntingpurposes, and ponds are used for fishing.Charles says his primary goal in buying and

managing timberland is to maximize the timberincome for retirement and for the education ofthe grandchildren. He also wants to have goodwildlife management for hunting and fishingand to provide a forest where the public can ob-serve sound forest and wildlife managementpractices. Groups that have visited the Dis-mukes’ tree farm have ranged from school kidsto legislators to people who simply want tolearn. For those interested in better managing their

forestland, Charles offers this advice:

• Find a good consultant forester or talk to acounty forester. It pays off in the long run. Ifyou know nothing about growing timber, geta forester to help you. • Become a member of a local forestry associ-ation. Mississippi has 64 county forestry as-sociations that present all types of educationalprograms.• Join the Mississippi Forestry Association. Itis the voice of forestry. • Mississippi has one of the best fish and gamedepartments in the nation. They can offer youall kinds of advice about everything from birdsto wildlife.

“It always pays to manage your land in thelong run,” Charles said. “It is a good investment.You can put however much you want to put intoit, and there are so many incentive programs thatcover 50 to 75 percent of management costs.”

OrganizationsCharles is a life member of the Mississippi

Forestry Association (MFA) and spent manyyears as a director. He is currently a directoremeritus. He attends the MFA LegislativeLuncheon each year and is recognized by mem-bers of the Mississippi Legislature as a forestryadvocate on all issues dealing with forestry.Charles organized and led a successful leg-

islative tour that showcased the MSU forestryprogram in 2006. He is a trustee and a life mem-ber of the Mississippi Forestry Foundation. Heis a charter member of the Montgomery CountyForestry Association (CFA), serving as presi-dent in 1992, 1995 and 2008, and a member ofthe Carroll County CFA and the Holmes CountyCFA. The Dismukes fund the Ambassadors Schol-

arship at Mississippi State University for re-cruiting by the College of Forest Resources.Charles and Carolyn are longtime members

of Montgomery County Farm Bureau. Membersof his family served the organization back in itsformative years.

National ContestWhen he learned that he had been named re-

cipient of the 2011 Mississippi Forestry Asso-ciation Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Yearhonor, Charles Dismukes said, “If I was told Ihad one week to live, I would want to go out andspend that week planting trees.”He will now compete for national honors.

The American Tree Farm System(ATFS) is a program sponsored na-tionally by the American ForestFoundation, a 501c3 nonprofit or-ganization promoting the sustain-able management of foreststhrough education and outreach toprivate forest landowners. Foundedin 1941, ATFS is the oldest andlargest forest conservation, certifi-cation and advocacy program in theUnited States.The program operates through

state tree farm committees in 46states, in partnership with over4,000 volunteer professionalforesters—from industry, govern-ment and consulting firms. Statecommittees make arrangements forforesters to inspect and certify treefarms and then re-inspect the landperiodically. Their on-the-ground in-spections determine whether theproperty meets the standards andguidelines established by the Amer-ican Forest Foundation.In Mississippi, the program is ad-

ministered by the Mississippi TreeFarm Committee, which includes astatewide team of almost 300trained inspectors. They are all vol-unteers. These volunteer inspectorsare professional foresters, repre-senting forest industries, the Missis-sippi Forestry Commission (MFC),consulting forestry firms, Missis-sippi State University and otheragencies and organizations. Mississippi has more certified

tree farms than any other state. Wehave had two National OutstandingTree Farmer of the Year recipients,Terry and Ann Ozier of Brandon andChester Thigpen of Montrose. Atpresstime, Charles Dismukes ofKilmichael was competing for na-tional honors. In 1996, MFC Forester Ed Brownof Bay Springs was selected Na-tional Outstanding Tree Farm In-spector. This year, Brendix Glas-gow, MFC District Forester inTupelo, received the National Out-standing Field Leadership Award.If you are interested in becoming

a Certified Tree Farmer, please con-tact the Mississippi Tree Farm Pro-gram at (662) 325-1785 [email protected]. For more information about the

Mississippi Farm Bureau FederationForestry, Environmental, and Landprograms, contact our state office.

Tree Farms

9


By Glynda Phillips

Cindy Hyde-Smith, Mississippi’s newly-elected Commissioner of Agriculture, pos-sesses a commitment to state agriculturethat is rooted in a childhood that quite oftenfound her knee-deep in the family vegetablegarden in rural Lawrence County. “I loved that garden,” she said. “It pro-

vided us with delicious vegetables, but italso taught us kids about responsibilityand hard work. My mother used to say, “Iam raising peas, but I am also raising chil-dren.’ That has never left me.” Cindy’s love of agriculture deepened

when she married her husband Mike and they began building a successful beef cat-tle operation near Brookhaven in LincolnCounty.“Mike is a full-time farmer. He and I

also operate the family livestock auctionbarn in Brookhaven,” she said. “Farming isa great way to earn a living and a wonder-ful way of life.”Mike and Cindy have one daughter, 13-

year-old Anna-Michael.

Giving BackMost farmers already know Cindy

through the family cattle operation, hermembership in Lincoln County Farm Bu-reau and her time served as chair of theMississippi Senate Ag Committee. Theyare aware that she has championed impor-tant issues like eminent domain reformand country of origin labeling. Her job asCommissioner of Agriculture will give heran exciting new forum for supporting Mis-sissippi agriculture.“Had Dr. Spell not retired, I would not

have sought this office,” she said. “I washappy in the Senate. But when he an-nounced that he would not seek reelec-tion, I saw an opportunity to give back tomy state. I knew it would be a gruelingcampaign, and it was. We visited all 82counties, and I lost 25 pounds. But I am soglad that I did it. This is a comfortable fit.

A Commitmentto Agriculture


The mission of the Mississippi Depart-ment of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC)is to regulate and promote agricultural-re-lated businesses within the state and to pro-mote Mississippi products throughout thestate and the rest of the world for the benefitof all Mississippi citizens.Here are some of the regulatory responsi-

bilities.The Weights and Measures Division over-

sees the calibrating and testing of most scalesand measurement equipment used in com-merce and trade to ensure fairness in themarketplace. In other words, if you buy apound of bananas in the grocery store, youcan be assured that what you are getting is apound of bananas.The Petroleum Products Inspection Divi-

sion makes sure that people who purchasepetroleum products and motor fuels get theamount that they pay for as well as the qual-ity they expect. In other words, when youbuy a gallon of gas, if it says ‘gallon,’ thenyou know that what you are getting is a gal-

lon of gas. MDAC also inspects diesel tomake sure it meets certain flashpoint re-quirements. The Consumer Protection Division is re-

sponsible for the permitting of all retail foodestablishments in Mississippi. These dutiesinclude food and store sanitation, country oforigin labeling, price and weight verifica-tion on products, and proper temperaturecontrol on all coolers and freezers. With the Meat Inspection Division, any

time a live animal is slaughtered anywhere inthe state, consumers can be assured that san-itation and safety requirements have beenmet. Everybody wants safe, affordable food. MDAC also offers an Ag Theft Bureau. If

livestock, timber and/or equipment are stolenfrom your farm, MDAC has investigatorswith arrest authority. The Ag Theft Bureauhas an unprecedented 42 percent recoveryrate of stolen goods.MDAC also manages the Bureau of Plant

Industry, which has the responsibility forpermitting all pesticide products, pest control

operators, agricultural aviators, seed, feed,fertilizer and soil amendments, and conduct-ing all trapping programs that focus on in-vasive plants and insects. As for promotional efforts, MDAC is in

charge of the Make Mine Mississippi Cam-paign, which promotes Mississippi-grownand Mississippi-made products. MDAC alsopromotes certified farmers markets through-out the state and operates the MississippiFarmers Market, located on the fairgroundsin Jackson. In addition, MDAC publishes agreat marketing tool for farmers called Mis-sissippi Market Bulletin. (See page 12 formore information.)MDAC handles checkoff dollars for agri-

cultural commodities. The individual com-modity boards decide how the money will bespent, but MDAC takes care of the account-ing part of the equation. MDAC is also in charge of the annual

Dixie National Rodeo and Livestock Showand the annual Mississippi State Fair.

MDAC Benefits All Mississippians

With my 12 years of legislative experience, I feel confident I cando the job.”Cindy also has past lobbying experience. Upon graduating

from the University of Southern Mississippi, she worked for a timeout of San Francisco and Washington, D.C., lobbying on trans-portation and health care issues.As she begins her years of service as Commissioner of Agri-

culture, she says the number one thing she brings to the table is herenthusiasm and love of agriculture. Number two is her knowledgeof agriculture, and number three is her desire to enhance theagency. “I want to build upon what Mississippi agriculture already has

in place,” she said. “I want to provide programs that will enhanceand benefit not only production agriculture but the state as awhole. Agriculture is our state’s number one industry, so we havea lot of opportunities for growth.“On the campaign trail, I talked about some ideas I have con-

cerning the promotional aspect of the agency. A lot of peopleagreed with my vision and concepts,” she said. “God made me adriven and very motivated person on the things that I believe in. Iget excited to see some things we can try.”

As for budget constraints, she says that state agencies have got-ten wind there will be some cuts.“I inherited a streamlined work force made up of professionals

who know their jobs and are very passionate about agriculture,” shesaid. “We have some ideas about new programs, as well as ideasabout ways to better fund existing programs. We are all very ex-cited about this.”

Much Support Cindy is the first female to serve as ag commissioner in Mis-

sissippi and the first female in the nation to be elected to the post.All others have been appointed.“That gives me a sense of great satisfaction,” she said. “I feel

that the people of Mississippi voted for me because of my cre-dentials. They voted for Cindy. It is very refreshing to know thatthe attitudes no longer remain that some jobs are only for men. Per-haps, because of this, other females will have more confidence toget involved in public office in nontraditional roles. Maybe I havepaved the way a little.”As she begins serving as Commissioner of Agriculture, Cindy

says she has a lot of support and that feels good.“My family has supported me from the very beginning,” she

said. “My friends in government and in the farming communitycontinue to give me their support and advice. My close friends likeVerla Smith, who is in her 80s and one of my best sounding boardsever, remain very important to me. “If I can contribute something to the state in any way, I won’t

hesitate to do so,” she said. “I love Mississippi. It is my home. Ilove agriculture. It is my passion. I am definitely blessed to be ableto raise my child on a farm in Mississippi. “I am one of the most blessed people on earth.”

“I want to provide programs that will enhance and benefitnot only production agriculturebut the state as a whole.”


By Glynda Phillips

Mississippi Market Bulletin enjoys a longtradition of serving Mississippi farmers. Pub-lished twice a month by the Mississippi De-partment of Agriculture and Commerce(MDAC), the publication carries thousandsof ag-related classified ads plus informativeand entertaining feature articles and recipes re-lated to specific commodities.“Mississippi Market Bulletin was begun

84 years ago by an ag commissioner namedJ.C. Holton,” said longtime editor ClaudeNash. “It was designed to serve, assist and in-form hardworking farmers during the GreatDepression years when relief and help werebadly needed.” The newspaper was an instant success, and

people continue to enjoy it today.“Holton planted a seed,” Nash said. “Now,

that seed has grown into a flourishing crop thatis deeply rooted in our history.”Each issue of the Mississippi Market Bul-

letin carries some 2,000 to 3,500 agriculturalclassified ads that are divided into over 165 cat-egories, ranging from machinery, equipment,crops, livestock, poultry, and farm property tohunting, camping, and fishing to horses, dogs,employment, and swap/exchange.“Since 1928, we have kept the same trade-

mark look,” Nash said. “We have tweaked it atime or two through the years, but it is about

the same as it’s always been, and people ex-pect that.” Running an ad is free, but you must sub-

scribe to the newspaper. Mississippi residentspay $10, while out-of-state residents pay $15.Currently, the Mississippi Market Bulletinboasts some 46,000 subscribers across thestate and nation, including Alaska, Hawaii andPuerto Rico. “We know that we have a great marketing

tool,” Nash said. “But we’ve never really pro-moted it a lot beyond handing out free copiesat the Mississippi State Fair and Dixie Na-tional Rodeo and Livestock Show. We aremaking a push to get the word out to our farm-ing community.”The Mississippi Market Bulletin goes on-

line four days after it is mailed. “You can go online for the information,

but people seem to enjoy holding the publica-tion in their hands,” Nash said. “Our subscribers wait for their Mississippi

Market Bulletin,” said Paige Manning,MDAC Director of Marketing and Public Re-lations. “If it is late, they call looking for it. Itis just amazing how important it has becometo their lives. Claude does a great job, and weare very proud of it.”For more information about the Missis-

sippi Market Bulletin, call (601) 359-1155,go to www.msmarketbulletin.org or see the in-formation below if you’d like to subscribe.

Mississippi Market Bulletin:Deeply Rooted in Agriculture

Calendar of Events

May 29Summer Dairy

Commodity MeetingGolden Corral

McComb

June 1Application Deadline

Farm Bureau Scholarships

June 4 – 7 Youth Safety SeminarTimber Creek Camp

Pulaski

June 12 – 14 AITC WorkshopsGrenada, Jackson

Biloxi

June 19 – 22 National AITC Conference

Loveland, Colorado

June 26Landowner Conference

MFBF BuildingJackson

July 18Summer Cotton

Commodity MeetingGrenada

July 24Summer Honey BeeCommodity Meeting

August 1Application Deadline

Farm Bureau Ambassador Contest

K


By Glynda Phillips

Keeping bees, whether as a hobby or a vocation, can be both fasci-nating and rewarding. That’s the buzz on beekeeping from Kenneth,Joan and Johnny Thompson of Philadelphia. Kenneth and Joan haveworked with honey bees for years. More recently, they’ve cut way backon what they do on their row crop and beef cattle farm in order to fo-cus more on them. Their son Johnny is their partner in this.The Thompsons presently have 200 bee hives and sell honey, bees

and queens, shipping the queens all over the United States. This fall,Joan began taking honey to flea markets in small towns like Carthage,Kosciusko and Macon. Customers can also purchase the honey over theInternet and from their home. The Thompsons sell their honey under the“Broke-T” label, which is also the name of their well-known Charolaisbeef cattle operation.You can choose from among several dif-

ferent varieties of honey, including a lighter,sweeter spring variety that is made primarilyfrom white clover and spring wildflowers; adarker amber honey that is made primarilyfrom wildflowers that grow in the late springto summer; and a fall honey, darker andricher, that is made primarily from goldenrodand fall wildflowers. “If you have spring allergies and you eat

honey that is made in the spring, that is sup-posed to help with those types of allergies,”Joan said. “The same holds true for fall al-lergies and honey produced in the autumnmonths. But the honey must be made frompollen that is gathered from around whereyou live.“Honey can also help with minor cuts and

burns and with other skin problems becauseit is a natural antibiotic,” she said. Joan even adds a tablespoon of honey and a tablespoon of apple cider

vinegar to a glass of water and drinks the mixture twice a day. She be-lieves there are health benefits to the elixir.

Fascinating FactsKenneth explains why honey bees are so interesting. “A queen can

lay an egg and decide to fertilize it or not fertilize it, depending onwhether she wants it to become a drone or a worker bee,” he said. “Anunfertilized egg gives birth to a drone, which is a male bee. The sole pur-pose of the drone is to breed with the queen. If the hive is overpopulated,the drones get kicked out in the winter to free up room because the queencan always make more drones in the spring. “The worker bees are female, and they do all of the work in the hive.

If the hive needs a new queen, the worker bees feed royal jelly to sev-

eral of the fertilized larvae,” he said. “The first bee to hatch becomes thequeen, and she destroys the rest of the larvae that were fed the jelly.”Bees are guided by their sense of smell as they search for flowers and

other sources of pollen.“If you are around honey bees and they smell your hair spray, they

will pay you a visit,” Kenneth said. “They do this simply because theythink they’ve found a new flower.“Bees also do a little dance when they want to give directions to the

other bees in a hive,” he said. “That’s their way of communicating withone another.” The honey bee’s role in agriculture and the economy is significant.

In 2009, the annual national economic value of honey bee pollinationwas $14.7 billion. The value to Mississippi was estimated at over $250million, and some experts say that figure might be closer to $400 mil-lion.

For agriculture, honey bees pollinate fruits,berries, sunflowers, vegetables, cotton, soy-beans, peanuts and wild plants. No data hasbeen obtained for forage crops, but the impor-tance can be seen in the marketplace, wherecattle, horse, dairy and other livestock productsare sold.

Volunteer LeadersKenneth and Joan are longtime Neshoba

County Farm Bureau volunteer leaders. Kenneth currently serves as county presi-

dent, and Joan chairs the county women’s com-mittee as well as the Region 6 Women’s Com-mittee. Kenneth has served a two-year termon the Mississippi Farm Bureau FederationBoard of Directors. In 2011, Neshoba CountyFarm Bureau was presented the Mike Blanken-ship Safety Award for having the best safetyprogram in the central area. They were also

named the outstanding county Farm Bureau program in Region 6.“Farm Bureau is a great organization,” Kenneth said. “Our members

are fine Christian people, and we are like one big family.”In addition to Farm Bureau, Kenneth is a member of his local and

state cattlemen’s associations, and he and Joan are members of the Mis-sissippi Beekeepers Association. They are active members of NewHarmony Baptist Church. The Thompsons have three children, six grandchildren and one

great-grandson.

More InformationIf you’d like more information about honey bees or would like to pur-

chase honey, you may call the Thompsons at (601) 656-1908, (601) 562-0701, or (601) 416-3358. Visit the Web site at www.broke-t-honey.com.

w w w . b r o k e - t - h o n e y . c o m

BeekeepingThe Buzz on

The first two Farm Bureau Ambassadors, Mattie Carter and Alan Smith, have known each other, through 4-H, for many years.

AgricultureAn Advocate for

By Glynda Phillips

”“17MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRYMAY/JUNE

The Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation’s 2012 Farm BureauAmbassador is Alan Smith of Picayune. Alan knows that a strongagricultural industry is critical to our nation’s continued ability tofeed not only its own citizens but people around the world. Hepromises to do his part to teach consumers to appreciate and sup-port agriculture, which is accomplishing so much for so many. “We as Farm Bureau members must become advocates for

agriculture,” he said. “We must stand together against those whowould try to harm our industry in any way. We must project a pos-itive outlook, tell our story to the consuming public and work hardto surface opportunities for continued growth and success.One great fact about agriculture that needs to be publicized is

the efficiency of the American farmer.

“Science has brought us a long way,” Alan said. “Technologi-cal advancements and innovative, well-researched farming meth-ods help today’s farmers grow more food on less land and with lessinputs than ever before in our nation’s history. Farmers are also in-formed business managers and dedicated caretakers of the envi-ronment.”Alan sees his role as a spokesman for Farm Bureau as a natu-

ral extension of what he is already accomplishing as he serves hisfourth consecutive year on the American Junior Simmental Asso-ciation Board of Directors. His leadership abilities have also ben-efitted from the time he served as president of the Mississippi 4-H Council and as captain of the Hinds Community College footballteam.“I was always encouraged by my parents to make good grades

and to become involved in extracurricular activities. As a result, Ihave been extremely busy, and I’ve met a lot of great people,” hesaid with a smile. “I couldn’t have handled the demands of collegewithout those types of experiences.”Alan comes from a strong agricultural background. For many

years, his father, uncle and grandfather owned one of the largestJersey dairies in the state. When the industry began to change inrecent years, the dairy closed, and Alan’s father began raising com-mercial beef cattle. He now runs 45 head of registered Simmentalcows on about 150-160 acres of family land. Alan is finishing up a degree in Animal and Dairy Sciences at

Mississippi State University (MSU) and plans to enter the MSUCollege of Veterinary Medicine. He hopes to carry on the familycattle tradition, even as he establishes a successful practice as a vet-erinarian. “I want to raise my children on a farm,” he said. “I love farm life.

It is a great way of life and has taught me so much. I also plan to con-tinue my family’s involvement in Farm Bureau. It is such an impor-

We must project a positive outlook, tellour story to the consuming public andwork hard to surface opportunities forcontinued growth and success.

tant organization. We have always put our faith and effort in FarmBureau.”Alan’s grandfather, the late Ezra Smith, served as president of

Pearl River County Farm Bureau at one time. His grandmother,Charline Smith, is the current county women’s vice chair. It washis grandmother who showed him the issue of Mississippi FarmCountry magazine that featured 2011 Farm Bureau AmbassadorMattie Carter on the cover. “I have known Mattie for years through 4-H, and I enjoyed

reading the article. I thought that the contest was something thatI would be interested in entering,” he said. “A lot of scholarshipsinvolve paperwork only. With this scholarship, you get to talk be-fore a group of people, and you are interviewed by a panel ofjudges. It is a process that makes you more confident aboutyourself and your abilities.”The Farm Bureau Ambassador receives a $2,000 scholar-

ship, while the alternate receives a $1,000 scholarship. The am-bassador gets to travel the state, attending Farm Bureau meetingsand other events.“I am really excited about my time as Farm Bureau Ambas-

sador,” he said. “They are putting together a schedule for me thatwill give me ample opportunity to meet with people and talkabout agriculture and Farm Bureau. I love people and I love agri-culture, so this should be fun.” For more information about the Mississippi Farm Bureau

Federation’s Farm Bureau Ambassador Program, contactWomen’s Program Coordinator Clara Bilbo at (601) 977-4245.

O


Our mystery town is named for the infant daughter of the firstpostmaster. The child died at the age of two of diphtheria. No othertown in the United States has this name.Our mystery town, which was incorporated in 1974, boasts 10,574

residents. Many of them are descendants of the original settlers.This town is a close and caring community, and its motto is “TheFriendly City.” Our mystery town is committed to education and to providing cit-

izens with a family-friendly environment. It was the first town in theUnited States to offer Excel by 5, a program that works with childrenfrom birth to age five, encouraging them to learn. The town has a top-ranked school district and the only dedicated dyslexia school, pri-vately owned, in the state of Mississippi.Our mystery town offers plenty of parks and recreational oppor-

tunities for both kids and adults. It is home to the Robert E. RussellSports Complex (City Park) and a $7.3-million football stadium thatwill celebrate its third anniversary in August. The town boasts a Vet-erans Walk of Honor, located in the park behind the Library/Civic

Center/Chamber of Commerce. It also has its own YMCA. Our mystery town is the hometown of football legend Ray

Perkins; Washington Redskins safety Tom Walters; and Jerry Ed-wards, retired executive vice president of The Home Depot. It is thehome of photographer, musician and motivational speaker VaughnWilson, who has published a book, entitled “Tell Me about that

Our mystery town is located near Hattiesburg inForrest County. The first American settlers arrivedhere in the early 1800s, drawn by logging andfarming opportunities. Until recent years, agriculturewas a major industry. Today, the retail and servicesectors are booming.

Mystery?Solvethe


Correct GuessesMail guesses to Solve the Mystery, Mis-sissippi Farm Country, P. O. Box 1972,Jackson, MS 39215. You may also emailyour guesses to:[email protected]. Please remem-ber to include your name and address onthe entry. Visit our Mississippi Farm Bu-reau Federation Web site at:

www.msfb.org. When all correct guesses have been re-ceived, we will randomly draw 20 names.These 20 names will receive a prize andwill be placed in the hat twice. At the endof the year, a winner will be drawn from allcorrect submissions. The winner will re-ceive a Weekend Bed and Breakfast Trip,courtesy of the Mississippi Farm Bureau

Federation. Families may submit only oneentry. Federation staff members and theirfamilies are ineligible to participate in thiscontest. The deadline for submitting yourentry is May 31.

March/AprilThe correct answer for the March/AprilSolve the Mystery is the town of Belzoni.

Horse: Stories from Exceptional Peo-ple about Treasured Horses.”From 1979 to 2007, this town was

home to the International CheckersHall of Fame. The building burned in2007, but citizens are working to re-store it. The town is also home toSnap Cookie bakery and shipping fa-cilities and to Red Maple Gifts, which

is housed in one of the town’s oldesthomes.Name our mystery town.

* A special thanks to DeborahReynolds, executive director of ourmystery town’s chamber of commerce,for her help with this article. Formore information, call Deborah at(601) 583-3306.


Ilove old sayings and new events, especially those that aresignificant and can be connected. One such event is the pas-sage of Initiative 31 this past November, which enacted into

the Mississippi Constitution of 1890 eminent domain reform.This was done against all odds, and it was an overwhelmingvictory for vox populi, the voice of the people, 639,000 of themto be more precise, 73 percent of the voters.This was neither quick, easy nor cheap, and it demonstrates

that citizens’ initiatives are not for the faint-hearted or easilydiscouraged. After a late-1980s controversy over a state lottery,which failed, the voters in 1992 approved a legislative-spon-sored amendment to the Mississippi Constitution which al-lowed citizens to propose constitutional amendments with sig-nificant limitations that do not apply to constitutionalamendments proposed by the Legislature. Specifically, citizen-sponsored amendments have four sig-

nificant limitations and cannot be used for:

1. Proposal, modification or repeal of any portion of the Billof Rights;

2. Amendment or repeal of any law or provision relating tothe Mississippi Public Employees’ Retirement System;

3. Amendment or repeal of the constitutional guarantee ofthe right of any person being denied work on account ofmembership of any labor union; and

4. Modification of the initiative process itself.

These limitations do not apply to constitutional amend-ments proposed by the Legislature, and why these were placedin the law no one can explain. Particularly, the one pertainingto the Bill of Rights is puzzling. The U.S. Constitution mightnot have been enacted in 1789 except for the late addition ofthe first ten amendments, always known as the Bill of Rights,designed to protect individuals from oppressive governmentand the establishment. The much different Bill of Rights in the Mississippi Con-

stitution consists of 32 sections, which are far broader than theU.S. Constitution but contain many rather different provi-sions. Inherently, it seems strange that when all constitutionalamendments, whether legislatively or voter-sponsored, must beapproved or rejected by the people, whose power is plenary -final, that they cannot propose an amendment to a part of theConstitution designed to protect and preserve individual rights.Though not logical, it was a major issue in Initiative 31 be-

cause Art. 3 §17 of the Mississippi Constitution is a basic em-inent domain protection as in the fifth and fourteenth amend-ments to the U.S. Constitution. Actually, Initiative 31 hasnothing to do with the process of eminent domain. Rather, itjust sets a time limit before property acquired by eminent do-main can be transferred to a private party for economic devel-opment. It limits the ability of government to take privateproperty and immediately turn it over to more wealthy andpowerful private parties for their own use.The law also requires that 90,000-plus certified voter sig-

natures be obtained within one year; that 20 percent of the sig-natures come from the old five congressional districts that nolonger exist; and that it receives a supermajority of voter ap-proval to pass. All of this, in effect, tends to make citizens’ ini-tiatives a second-class constitutional amendment — thoughthey are the very people who must approve any constitutionalamendment. A strong argument can be made that such restrictions are

wrong. Suggestions were made by opponents of Initiative 31that there was a danger in voter initiatives as if those sponsorswere an unruly rabble. The legal challenge to Initiative 31, aswell as opposition at the polls, failed ignominiously. It is likely that Initiative 31, as the old saying goes, “made

a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.” However, as Larry McMurtry,the famous author, has pointed out: “Even if one makes a silkpurse out of a sow’s ear, the problem remains of what does onedo with a one-eared sow?” Good question!Even if Initiative 31 was a silk purse of sorts, we still have

threats of another legal challenge and the ex-governor’s attemptto gerrymander where the amendment goes into the MississippiConstitution. Though we do not worry about this, it is stillthere, even with just one ear. But now, a new solution is on the horizon. Recently, the U.S.

House of Representatives passed, by a 2/3 majority, a bill tooverturn the Kelo case and prohibit taking by eminent domainfor private development on both state and national levels. This is what we need. Contact U.S. senators to support it and get it enacted. Then

we will have not only a silk purse but some fine ham, baconand sausage!

Sam E. Scott is general counsel for Mississippi Farm Bureau Federationand practices law in the Law Firm of Samuel E. Scott, PLLC, in Jackson. Theforegoing information is general in nature and is not intended as nor shouldbe considered specific legal advice, nor to be considered as MFBF’s posi-tion or opinion.

A Silk Purse?

COUNSEL’S CORNER

By Sam E. Scott, MFBF General Counsel


MEMBER BENEFITS SPOTLIGHT

With summer just around the corner, many of you may be planning va-cations, long weekends to the beach, or other summer getaways. It’s a greattime of the year, and your Farm Bureau membership can help you enjoy thistime even more by saving you money.By taking advantage of the many Member Benefits programs offered by

Farm Bureau, you could save lots of money that you could spend on otherthings.

Hotel DiscountsOne of our most popular programs is our discount on hotel rooms. Choice Hotels and Wyn-

dham Hotels both offer Mississippi Farm Bureau members 20 percent discounts when stayingat one of their hotels.With many different price ranges to choose from, you cansave the cost of your annual membership by staying for as little as two nightsin one of these hotel chains. Choice Hotels include Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn,

Clarion, Main Stay Suites, Econo Lodge, and Rodeway Inn. Wyndham Hotelsinclude Microtel Inn, Hawthorn Suites, Days Inn, Howard Johnson, KnightsInn, Ramada, Travelodge, Baymont Inns, Wyndham, and Wingate Inn. Mississippi Farm Bureau members saved nearly $25,000 on

hotel rooms in 2011 using these discounts.

$500 Cash Back Ford Motor Company is pleased to offer a $500 Bonus Cash

savings off vehicle MSRP toward the purchase or lease of any el-igible 2011/2012/2013 Ford or Lincoln vehicle. With this valuableoffer, you can enjoy savings on the vehicle of your choice fromFord’s exciting new lineup of hardworking and technologicallyadvanced cars and trucks, including the Ford F-150, with its im-pressive power, fuel efficiency and best-in-class trailer-towing ca-pacity. Some customer and purchase eligibility restrictions apply.

You must be an eligible Farm Bureau member for at least 60 con-secutive days and must show proof of membership. Limit one$500 Bonus Cash offer per vehicle purchase or lease.

Help for Hard of HearingHow does up to 25 percent savings on quality hearing products

sound? With this program, through Clear Value Hearing, membersreceive a free initial hearing test and annual retests, free hearingaid adjustments, free bi-annual hearing aid maintenance and onecourtesy case of batteries.You also are guaranteed free automatic pre-approval, a

statewide network of professional audiologists and specialists, upto 25 percent actual member discount on all Starkey Hearing In-struments and special member discounts on all Westone CustomEar Protection.ClearValue offers significant savings and services that are

typically not covered by Medicare and most insurance.For more information on these or any of the other wonderful

Member Benefits that come automatically with your Farm Bureaumembership, visit our Web site at www.msfb.org or call MemberBenefits Coordinator Dedra Luke at (601) 977-4169.

Farm Bureau Can HelpYou Save Money

By Greg Gibson, MFBF Member Services Director

EMAY/JUNEMISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY24

Each spring, the residents of Rolling Fork present an historicalplay in a turn-of-the-century Colonial Revival mansion called MontHelena. The home is built atop a ceremonial Indian Mound thatrises above row-crop fields that spread out in many directions for asfar as the eye can see. The play, entitled “Mont Helena: A Dream Re-visited,” combines acting with song to tell the tragic mid-19-century love story of Helen Johnstone and Henry Vick. “Over 100 volunteers plus a cast of very talented actors work to-

gether to ensure that this production is a success each spring,” saidLeslie Miller, chair of the Friends of Mont Helena. “We have people who serve as greeters, ticket-takers, transporta-

tion people (bringing visitors up the hill to the home in golf carts),makeup and props experts, costume experts, sound and lights people,historians, and cooks, just to name a few. When you attend our play,you see what a wonderful job they do,” she said. “We couldn’t do thiswithout them.”

Getting StartedThe idea for the play came from Rolling Fork resident Mary Cor-

ban, who would always mention the house and its story each time cit-izens would get together to talk about promoting their community.The first opportunity to use the house in a promotional manner camewhen a group of artists visited Rolling Fork and expressed an inter-est in touring Mont Helena.“We fed them at the house and told them the story of Helen and

Henry. The event turned out to be very emotional and moving,” said

Emily Carter. “Other people heard about it and wanted to visit thehome, so we began to hold tours and to feed and entertain peoplethere.“Finally, we decided to make it official and stage a play,” she said.

“We met at Leslie’s home and formed the Friends of Mont Helena.Leslie was elected chair.”In prior years, Drick Rodgers, the present owner of Mont Helena

and a distant relative of Helen Johnstone, had taken major steps to res-cue the house from its state of ruin. Although additional work hadbeen done to the house in preparation for his daughter’s wedding,there was still much work to be done.“Drick did a tremendous job of getting it ready for the first play,

which was held in the spring of 2010,” Leslie said. “He is so sup-portive and so willing to do whatever it takes to get this done. Wecan’t thank him enough. And we couldn’t do this every year withouthis help.”

The PlayMont Helena is named for Helen, of course, and the play is about

Helen’s dream of Henry, a wealthy Delta planter and her first love.Helen and Henry were to be wed, but a duel took his life, and a mid-night funeral replaced their wedding. Wearing her white weddinggown and a black mourning veil, Helen led the funeral procession.Through the years, Helen has become known as the Bride of An-

nandale, but her story doesn’t end with Vick’s death. She later mar-ried George Harris, a Confederate chaplain who served for a time as

Popular Play:

A Community EffortBy Glynda Phillips

25MAY/JUNE

rector at Chapel of the Cross in Madison and Chapel of the Cross in RollingFork. Mont Helena was built as the couple’s retirement home on land be-queathed to Helen by a relative. The house burned to the ground on the daythey were to move in, but was soon rebuilt and went on to become a Deltahome of great renown.Mont Helena is 10,000 square feet in size and includes three stories plus

a rooftop widow’s walk that is one of the few places in the Delta to affordsuch a spectacular view of cropland. The house was designed by George Bar-ber, a well-known architect of the day.

“All of the actors and workers wear authentic 19th-century clothing.When you enter the house, we tell you its history and the story of Helen,Henry and George,” Leslie said. “You sit on a church pew that dates backto the 1850s and was used in a Methodist Episcopal chapel built near thehouse. “Once you enter this home, you leave the present world behind and be-

come immersed in the mid-1800s and the story. That is the whole idea.”Not only are the guests swept away, so are the actors and workers.“We forget that we are a part of the production, and we get pulled into the

story ourselves. Even after all of this time, it is just mesmerizing,” Leslie said.“The talent we have in this area is amazing.”

A Community EffortFor More Info

The Mont Helena play is held in April and Mayand runs for 15 nights. You must purchase yourticket early because they sell out quickly. By thetime you read this, it will probably be too late to at-tend in 2012, but make plans for next year, or planto tour and dine at Mont Helena with your friendsand relatives.

Guided tours of the home are offered, but youmay also enjoy a seated lunch with tour and story;a seated dinner with tour and story; or a box lunchwith tour and story. You can also rent the house forparties, reunions, weddings and receptions.

For more information, contact Lynn Moses at(662) 873-2080, or visit the Web site at www.Mon-tHelena.com.

Emily Carter is a former Miss Farm Bureau-Mis-sissippi. Her daughter Mattie is our first Farm Bu-reau Ambassador.

From left, Leslie Miller, Lynn Moses and Emily Carter


In recognition of their efforts, Walthall County Farm Bureau hasreceived the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation President’s Awardas the state’s best overall county Farm Bureau.

“Through the years, Farm Bureau has meant a lot to Mississippifarmers. In a changing world, we want to make sure that we remainstrong and that agriculture is not forgotten,” said Walthall CountyFarm Bureau President Bill Pigott. “Here in Walthall County, we de-pend economically upon agriculture. Even though Mississippi has lostmany dairies in recent years, dairying is still a major revenue sourcein Tylertown. We lead the state in milk production and number ofdairies. We also have beef, poultry and timber operations.”Walthall County Farm Bureau works with the local Extension pro-

gram and other agricultural and civic organizations to ensure that theconcerns of its members are heard and addressed. “We try to have representation at all of the meetings and functions

on the county, district and state levels,” Pigott said. “We attend the

Farm Bureau commodity conferencesand policy development meetings, theState Resolutions Meeting, the Leg-islative Reception and the Ag Day atthe Capitol event. We also participatein Washington, D.C., trips as needed.”Walthall County Farm Bureau vol-

unteer leaders work hard to promotealternative agricultural endeavors intheir area of the state to benefit localfarmers, both now and in the future.“We have two area dairies that are

interested in processing and sellingtheir own milk products,” Pigott said. “We have a farmers market thatsells locally grown foods, and we have two quail hunt operations thatoffer guided hunts, catering to the agritourism market.

Farm Bureau Spotlight

Walthall CountyWalthall County Farm Bureau volunteer leaders and staff are pictured here and below. The county president is Bill Pigott. He is second from right,front row.

Walthall County Farm Bureau volunteer leaders believe strongly in Farm Bureauand its mission to serve as The Voice of Agriculture®. They work hard to supportand promote the organization’s programs in any way possible, whether throughspecial events, the media, school programs or their attendance at meetings.

County women’s chair isSheila Conerly.

”“


“Horse riding has become a big thingwith the youth,” he said. “We still have ahorse arena that is strictly devoted to walk-ing horse and barrel racing enthusiasts.“Located as we are in the Pine Belt area

of the state, we are able to grow abundantpine timber,” he said. “We are pushing tobring in an industry that would use woodfor fuel. Our area also has an interest in thegrowth of oil and natural gas endeavors.”Pigott noted that the Walthall County

Farm Bureau Young Farmers & RanchersProgram has always been active and out-standing.

“Our county had the top young farmerin the state several years ago,” he said.“We have had several regional youngfarmer winners, and we have had finalistsin the State Discussion Meet.”In addition, the Walthall County Farm

Bureau Women’s Program was voted the

most outstanding program in the state in1989 and has been recognized as the mostoutstanding program in its region everyyear for 27 years. Sheila Conerly has served as county

women’s chair for 28 years. She says thecounty women’s program works hard topromote Farm Bureau and Mississippiagriculture within the community, particu-larly in the schools. “We are in schools at least three times

a year, during National Ag Week, NationalFarm-City Week, and to promote the FarmBureau Coloring Contest,” she said. “Weare very visible in the community duringthe Walthall County Dairy Festival. Weare a sponsor of the Christmas parade, andwe support the 4-H program. “Our volunteer leaders work with Ex-

tension to help with hunter safety pro-grams. We have an involvement with manyother civic and agricultural groups on thecounty and state levels. We also have agood relationship with the local media,and feature a commodity of the month inour local newspaper.”Walthall County Farm Bureau was

chartered on July 6, 1923. Its first president

was J.D. Holmes. In 1951, Walthall CountyFarm Bureau had 426 members. Today, itboasts a total of 2,042 members and hasreached its 2012 membership quota.Members of the Walthall County Farm

Bureau Board of Directors include Bill Pig-ott, president; Doug Popwell, vice president;Mac Conerly, secretary-treasurer; SheilaConerly, women’s chair; Lori Bacot,women’s co-chair; Drew Pierce, youngfarmer chair; Chess Jackson, Larry Boyd,William Magee, Larry Martin, Jerry Holmes,Alton Harvey, Glenis Brooks, Gilbert Bul-

lock and Mickey Rayborn. Carol Smith is alifetime honorary president, who has servedon the board and has been an active volunteerleader for some 50 years. The membership secretary is Kathy Knip-

pers. Other secretaries include Peggy Holmesand Sarah Haney. The agency manager isJimmy Lowery. Other agents are CoreyMagee, Nathan Graves and Eric Thomas.Regional Manager for Region 7 is Doug

Ervin, who also coordinates the MississippiFarm Bureau Federation Dairy and Landprograms.

We have had severalregional young farmerwinners, and we havehad finalists in theState Discussion Meet.


By Kirsten JohnsonMFBF YF&R Coordinator

This year’s Young Farmers & Ranchers(YF&R) Leadership Conference was a greatsuccess, with over 110 young farmers at-tending from across the state.The conference was held in Tunica at the

Mid-South Convention Center on Feb. 10-12,and the theme was “Carving Our Path.” Thisyear’s speakers covered a variety of topics,including Succession Planning, Farm Bureau

Policy Development, Social Media, and theAFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Program.Entertainer Paul Ott and Mississippi FarmBureau Federation President Randy Knightaddressed the group Sunday morning.Conference participants also had an op-

portunity to tour the Pride of the Pond catfishfacility and the Tunica Museum. They en-joyed dinner aboard the Tunica Queen.

Thank You Patrick and Kim Swindoll of DeSoto

County have completed their term of serviceon the American Farm Bureau Young Farm-ers & Ranchers National Committee. Hereare their thoughts:“Kim and I would like to thank Missis-

sippi Farm Bureau for allowing us to have anopportunity of a lifetime by serving on theAmerican Farm Bureau Young Farmers &Ranchers National Committee. During ourtime serving on the committee, we grew somuch, not only in learning more about FarmBureau, but also in learning how to be effec-tive leaders in Farm Bureau, in agricultureand in our community. “The training and tools will be something

that we can use for years to come in com-municating our message to the public and to

our legislators about agriculture. We had thehonor of serving with some of the best youngleaders from around the country, who quicklybecame some of our best friends. “Kim and I will always remember and

cherish our time on the committee and thefriendships and experiences we gained.Thank you for allowing us to represent Mis-sissippi Farm Bureau.” For more information about the Young

Farmers & Ranchers Program, contactKirsten Johnson at (601) 977-4277.

Young Farmers Host SuccessfulLeadership Conference

Patrick and Kim SwindollYF&R State Committee Chair Jason Hill

Young farmers toured the Pride of the Pond catfish facility.

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State Women’s Committee members and others took cash donations, food and household items to Ronald McDonald House of Jackson as partof their Food Check-Out Day celebration. They are pictured with Ruth Ann Allen, Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House of Jackson.

Senate Ag Committee Chair Billy Hudson and Commissioner of AgricultureCindy Hyde-Smith visited with State Women’s Committee members andothers during Women’s Day at the Capitol.

Farm Bureau Events

As part of the annual Women’s Day at the Capitol event, refreshmentswere served by the State Women’s Committee in the Rotunda of theState Capitol.

Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) President Randy Knight shookhands with American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallmanduring the State Awards Program at national convention. MFBF programsreceiving the Award of Excellence included Policy Implementation,Leadership Development, and Agricultural Education and Promotion.

During national convention activities, State Women’s Committee ChairBetty Mills accepted recognition on behalf of the Mississippi FarmBureau Federation Women’s Program. She is pictured with AmericanFarm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Bob Stallman and AFBFWomen’s Leadership Committee Chair Terry Gilbert.


Farm Bureau Events

2011 Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers &Ranchers State Achievement Award recipients Brad and CarlaSpencer placed in the top ten in national competition.

The two-day 2012 Winter Commodity Confer-ence enjoyed informative speakers and greatparticipation. Breakout sessions for individualstate commodity advisory committees allowedtime for discussion of important issues and in-put into the policy development process.

Senate Ag Committee Chair Billy Hudson, seated in front of Mississippi Farm BureauFederation Public Policy Director Samantha Cawthorn, and House Ag Committee ChairPreston Sullivan, standing to her right, were among the lawmakers who visited with FarmBureau members during the annual Ag Day at the Capitol event.

The Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Program had a booth at theMississippi Farmers Market in Jackson as part of Mississippi’s National Ag Day event.Pictured is State Women’s Committee Chair Betty Mills, who demonstrates to studentshow cotton is ginned.

American Honey Queen Alyssa Fine of Pennsylvania stopped by the FarmBureau state office recently. Accompanying her were, from left, D. L. Wesley, aFoxworth beekeeper; Joan Gunter, sponsor, American Beekeeping Federation;Stan Yeagley, president, Mississippi Beekeepers Association; and CherylYeagley.

The Mississippi Farm Bureau FederationWomen’s Program had an Ag in the Classroombooth at the state fairgrounds in Jackson justprior to the Dixie National Rodeo and LivestockParade. Pictured is Region 5 Women’s ChairBetty Edwards.


Sale of Junior Champions

The Champion Brahman Steer was exhibited by Dakota Rogers, Smith4-H. From left, are Jon Kilgore, Henry Hamill, Randy Knight and JackWilliams for Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation; Mississippi FarmBureau Casualty Insurance; Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance;Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance; Cimarron Mortgage; HiltonJackson; Tico’s; and Telesouth Communications (buyers); and DakotaRogers and Annaleigh Guy.

(Right) The Champion Chester Hog was exhibited by Kaylin/AshleighHickman, Forrest 4-H/Brooklyn FFA. From left, are Matt Bayles, RandyKnight, Henry Hamill and Jack Williams for Mississippi Farm BureauFederation; Mississippi Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance; Southern FarmBureau Life Insurance; Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance; BillyHudson; Bank of Wiggins; DeSoto Land and Timber; Matthews, Cutrer &Lindsay PA; Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush PA; Attala Foods; O’NealBond Engineering; 7L Land & Cattle; Alexander Land & Timber;Alexander & Assoc.; and Charles Evans Trucking (buyers); and Ashleighand Kaylin.

The Reserve Champion Duroc Hog was exhibited by BrittonHolland/Dustin Barton, Simpson 4-H. From left, are Matt Bayles, RandyKnight, Henry Hamill and Jack Williams for Mississippi Farm BureauFederation; Mississippi Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance; Southern FarmBureau Life Insurance; Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance;Cimarron Mortgage; Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush PA; Tico’s; andTelesouth Communications (buyers); and Britton and Dustin.

The Reserve ChampionCrossbred Lamb wasexhibited by Anna BethMayhugh, Lawrence 4-H/FFA.From left, with Rhonda andAnna Beth Mayhaugh andKyle Riley, are Matt Bayles,Randy Knight, Henry Hamilland Jack Williams forMississippi Farm BureauFederation; Mississippi FarmBureau Casualty Insurance;Southern Farm Bureau LifeInsurance; Southern FarmBureau Casualty Insurance;Southern Cross Underwriters;Matthews, Cutrer & LindsayPA; Tico’s; TelesouthCommunications; and AttalaFoods (buyers).


The Mississippi Farm Bureau Federa-tion Women’s Program is making avail-able to schools and individuals the Ameri-can Farm Bureau Foundation forAgriculture Book of the Year, entitled“How Did That Get in My Lunchbox? TheStory of Food.” The book, which shows young readers

how each ingredient made its journey totheir lunchbox, is written for reading levelages 5-8 and grades K-2. An educator’sguide and classroom poster are available ascompanion pieces. The price of the book,educator’s guide and poster is $20.For more information, contact Women’s

Program and Ag in the Classroom Coordi-nator Clara Bilbo at (601) 977-4245.

Dale KeithMoore invites youto read his book,“The Day I KilledSasquatch.” “At the age of

57, I felt led towrite a book,”Keith said. “It is ahumorous work offiction that uses

several of my father’s true stories, as wellas folklore and landmarks from aroundSummerland, where I grew up. I also usestories from mission trips that I have takenover the years.” Keith ties it all together around a char-

acter named “Sasquatch,” a giant who haslived unseen in the woods of Summerlandfor over 50 years. As he dies from a gun-shot wound, Sasquatch gives Keith his di-ary, which leads Keith to another diarywritten by the giant’s twin brother, whoserved in the Vietnam War, played NBAbasketball and became a missionary.“I really feel that God led me to write

this book, and I am eager to see how Hewill be glorified through it,” Keith said.If you’d like more information about

the book, contact Keith at (601) 382-1919.His email address is [email protected]. Moore is a longtime Farm Bu-reau agent in Simpson County.

Keith MooreWrites Book

FSA NewsletterThe next USDA Farm Service Agency

newsletter you receive through the mailwill be the last one mailed from them. Be-cause of escalating printing and postagecosts, they will only communicate throughemail from now on. The last newsletter will contain all of

the signup dates, so you need to keep it.Producers need to contact their local FSAoffice to signup to receive the electronicnewsletter or visit the Web site athttp://www.fsa.usda.gov/subscribe.

Annual GourdFestivals

If you are interested in gourds, mark yourcalendar to attend these two events.The Shivers Gourd Festival will be held

May 12. For more information and for drivingdirections, visit www.mississippigourdsoci-ety.com. The Mississippi Gourd Festival will be held

Sept. 15-16 in Raleigh. More information willbe released closer to the time of the event.

Agriculture Book of the Year Winner


Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has an-nounced a new conservation initiative to protectup to 750,000 acres of the nation’s most highlyerodible cropland. The new initiative will assistproducers with targeting their most highly erodi-ble cropland (land with an erodibility index of 20or greater) by enabling them to plant wildlife-friendly, long-term cover through the Conser-vation Reserve Program (CRP). Producers can enroll land on a continuous ba-

sis, beginning this summer, at their local FarmService Agency (FSA) county office. With theuse of soil survey and geographic informationsystem data, local FSA staff can quickly deter-mine a producer’s eligibility for the initiative. Producers are encouraged to contact their lo-

cal FSA office or visit FSA’s Web site athttp://www.fsa.usda. gov/crp for additional in-formation regarding CRP.

NewConservationInitiative

Application deadline for the Missis-sippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF)Youth Safety Seminar is May 21. Theevent will be held June 4-7 at TimberCreek Camp in Scott County. Youth Safety Seminar offers young

people entering 7th through 12th grades anopportunity to receive safety training, en-joy recreational activities and developfriendships that will last a lifetime. Train-ing sessions include CPR, ElectricalSafety, ATV Safety, Fatal Vision and Trac-tor Safety.For more information about Youth

Safety Seminar, contact your county FarmBureau office or call Angela Thompson at(601) 977-4242.

Youth Safety Seminar


As a Farm Bureau member, youhave access to many programsand benefits. To learn more, visitour Web site at www.msfb.org.Or see the Member Benefits

information on pages 22 and 23.

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