Msfarmctry vol92 no3 issuu

A PUBLICATION OF MISSISSIPPI FARM BUREAU FEDERATION • MSFB.ORG

Telling Agriculture’s

Story

VOLUME 92 NO. 3

MAY/JUNE 2016

8

Volume 92 Number 3May/June 2016

Mississippi Farm Country(ISSN 1529-9600) magazine is

published bimonthly by theMississippi Farm Bureau® Federation.

Farm Bureau members receive this publication as part of their membership

benefit. Periodicals postage is paid at Jackson, MS and at additional mailing offices.

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

EDITORIAL AND BUSINESS OFFICES6311 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS 39211

601-977-4153

EDITOR — Glynda Phillips

ADVERTISINGAngela Ellis

1-800-227-8244 ext. [email protected]

FARM BUREAU OFFICERSPresident — Mike McCormickVice President — Donald Gant

Vice President — Ted Kendall IVVice President — Reggie Magee

Treasurer — Billy DavisCorporate Secretary — Kent Bloodworth

FARM BUREAU DIRECTORSCarla Taylor, PrentissMatt Ormon, Benton

Jeffrey (Jeff) Hollowell, LafayetteBob Workman, Quitman

Gabriela Brasher, TallahatchieDan L. Bishop, Lee

Scott O’Brian, ClayCraig Canull, Lowndes

David Hayward, GrenadaDott G. Arthur, Leake

William Jones, LauderdalePaul Myrick, Jasper

James R. Ford, SmithJames G. “Jimbo” Newman, Issaquena

Tammy Layton, SimpsonEarl Gay Edwards, Amite

Everett A. “Pud” Stringer, MarionDot Cole, Perry

Clayton Lawrence Jr., GeorgeTom Daniels, Harrison

Betty Mills, MontgomeryDavid Arant Jr., Leflore

HONORARY VICE PRESIDENTLouis J. Breaux III

4 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 5 MEMBER BENEFITS 6-7 NATIONAL AFFAIRS REPORT

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.

FEATURES

C O N T E N T S

may/june 2016

FARM BUREAU AMBASSADOR

Farm Bureau Ambassador Jessica Smith of Picayune is eager to tell agriculture’s

story at events and meetings across the state. Read more about Jessica and the

Farm Bureau Ambassador program inside.

ABOUT THE COVERFarm Bureau Ambassador Jessica Smith is pictured at the Bost Extension Center building on the campus of Mississippi State University.

6 FARM BUREAU ACTIVITIES A number of important Farm Bureau activities were held this past winter and spring. Coverage can be found through-out the magazine.

12 FARM FACTS Lonnie Fortner, who grows cotton, peanuts, corn, soybeans and sesame in Claiborne and Warren counties, talks about farming in our “Farm Facts: Straight from a Mississippi Farmer” column. Come with us as we learn more.

18 RECIPESEnjoy the recipes from “Country

Cooking, Vol. V.” This cookbook is available at most county offices.

DEPARTMENTS

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY 3

Our Story Mississippi’s approximately 37,100 farms are a source of income for many families across the state. They are also where we raise our children and where we enjoy outdoor recreational activities, such as hunting and fishing or simply riding our horses and ATVs. We deeply appreciate our way of life, and we express our gratitude daily as we go about the task of taking very good care of our livestock, row crops and timber, using the latest technology and science-based practices.

That’s our story. That is the truth of the matter.

As consumers become generations removed from farm life and as they begin to express an interest in how and where their food is grown, we must tell our story. We can’t let others tell it for us. Here at Farm Bureau, we offer many programs designed to teach the general public to appreciate what farmers do for all of us every day. Two of our teaching tools are the membership magazine and our Ag Mag children’s newsletter, which is inserted into the magazine three times a year.

In this issue of the magazine, the Ag Mag Beef newsletter takes an informa-tive and fun look at our state’s beef cattle industry. Ag Mag is geared toward school kids, but adults will find it interesting, too. I hope you will read the material, learn about our beef cattle industry and help

our farmers tell their story as we battle the misinformation about agriculture that is so prevalent today.

For example, some animal rights activists would have you believe that farmers mistreat their livestock. As I said before, our animals are our means of live-

lihood, so it is important that we keep them healthy, strong and happy. Besides, we just genuinely enjoy working with them. We also take very good care of the land and natural resources that support our operations.

Once again, that’s our story. That is the truth of the matter.

WASHINGTON TRIPI spend a lot of time in Washington,

D.C. It’s an important part of my job as your president. So far this year, I have met with members of our congressional delega-tion about specific issues of concern to the cotton, catfish and poultry industries. We’ve also talked about Waters of the U.S., an omnibus spending legislation for the federal government and a tax policy that provides stability for farmers.

I am so thankful that Mississippi has a great group of senators and congressmen who are very open to working with Farm Bureau and state agriculture. I appreciate them more than words can ever express.

In early February, we took a group of

volunteer leaders to Washington, D.C., for our annual fly-in visit, something we do every year before the weather warms up and our farmers begin planting their crops. It is always a very productive trip, and one that I enjoy immensely.

I invite you to read about this trip inside this issue of our magazine.

WE CAREOn another topic entirely, I want to intro-

duce you to my hometown of Union Church in Jefferson County located in the southwest-ern corner of the state. Union Church was founded around the year 1805 primarily by a group of Scottish settlers from North Carolina eager to farm the fertile land along the eastern bank of the Mississippi River. McCormicks were among those early settlers, and we have been farming the area ever since. My wife, Suezan, and I live in a farmhouse that has been in my family for over 100 years.

My story is interesting, but it is only one of many such stories you will hear from Farm Bureau volunteer leaders across the state. Our roots run deep in Mississippi agriculture and the Farm Bureau organiza-tion. We are a close-knit group of men and women eager to address the issues, both large and small, that make a difference in the lives of farmers and all Farm Bureau members. We truly do care about our com-munities, our state and our nation.

Please join me in encouraging all Missis-sippians to become Farm Bureau members. Invite them to join our century-old commit-ment to helping others have a better life. FB

Mike McCormick –President, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation

P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E

4 MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY MAY/JUNE 2016

Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) has a long history of legislative engagement in agricultural policy in Jack-son and Washington, D.C. One of the key efforts organized by Farm Bureau annually is the MFBF Member Washington, D.C., Fly-In Visit. The Fly-In Visit provides Farm Bureau volunteer leaders the opportunity to pay a visit to our nation’s capital and spend time with members of Congress and govern-ment agencies that shape agricultural policy for America’s farmers and ranchers.

This year, over 75 Mississippi farmers and ranchers participated in this unique opportunity. These men and women spent

time visiting with staff at the United States (U.S.) Department of Agriculture, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture and the Canadian Embassy to discuss policy mat-ters currently facing agriculture.

Members had an opportunity to per-sonally visit with U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker. They also had the opportunity to visit each of their respective congressmen. Participants held group meetings with the offices of Con-gressmen Kelly, Thompson, Harper and Palazzo.

For agriculture to thrive, it is impera-tive that Mississippi farmers and ranchers participate in efforts like the Washington, D.C., Fly-In Visit to create and maintain that dialogue between agriculture and the policymaking bodies that influence federal policy that impacts agriculture.

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

Legislative Engagement Key to Agriculture’s Success

National Affairs Report

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Congressman Palazzo Congressman Harper

Congressman Kelly Congressman Thompson

SENATOR COCHRAN SENATOR WICKER


Farm Bureau volunteer leaders and staff

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY 7MAY/JUNE 2016

On a beautiful morning in Febru-ary, Jessica Smith took a moment from her studies at Mississippi State University to talk about her role as the 2016 Farm Bureau Ambassador. Jessica won the title and a $4,000 scholarship at state conven-tion in December, competing with out-standing college students from around the state. She says she is eager to tell agri-culture’s story in the year ahead, and she has gotten some good pointers from her brother, Alan, who served as our Farm Bureau Ambassador in 2012.

“Farm Bureau is a great organization,” she said. “I appreciate that it represents the interests of Mississippi farmers, and I look forward to working with staff members and volunteer leaders in the coming year to educate the public about agriculture.”

FARM LIFEAgriculture has always been an impor-

tant part of Jessica’s life. Both sets of her grandparents were dairy farmers, and her parents have a 100-acre farm near Picayune, where they have a seedstock operation of 50 head of Simmental and Simmental-influenced cattle as well as commercial cattle.

“From the time I was old enough, I have had chores around the farm,” Jessica said.

“Growing up on a farm teaches you a good work ethic and a strong sense of responsibil-ity. It builds character.”

Jessica understands the importance of maintaining a strong agriculture industry and a great way of life.

“I think it’s extremely important that we take the farmer’s story to the general public,” she said. “Most people today are uneducated about agriculture and misguided about what our farmers do. It is our job at Farm Bureau to help bridge the communication gap

between consumers and farmers. We can’t let others tell our story for us.”

ACTIVITIESJessica is a junior majoring in agricul-

tural communications, so she knows how important good communication can be. In addition to her studies, she participates in many activities, both on campus and away from campus, geared toward educating oth-ers about agriculture.

She is active in the Collegiate Cattlemen’s and Collegiate Cattle-women’s associations as well as the Collegiate FFA. She is a member of the Student Public Relations Association of Mississippi and the Pi Beta Phi sorority. She is a junior board member for the American Junior Simmental Association and is in charge of the board’s membership communications efforts.

“I have been involved in the 4-H and FFA programs my whole life,” she said. “I have shown cattle from the time I was old enough to do so, and I still show them on the national level with the American Junior Simmental Association.”

Jessica has won numerous awards for showing cattle, including the Beef Premier Exhibitor Contest at the Dixie National and the Hereford Development Contest at the Mississippi State Fair. At the time of her interview, Jessica had just returned from Denver, where she attended meetings and helped out at the 2016 National Western Stock Show.

“I would love to one day work in the ag industry,” she said. “That is my goal. But even if I don’t, I will always have cattle or strong ties to agriculture, whether as a mem-ber of ag groups or through getting my kids involved.”

SUPPORTIVE GROUPIn conclusion, Jessica says she would like

to thank the members of the State Women’s Leadership Committee for their help as she par-ticipates in various pro-grams and carries out her many responsibili-ties this year.

“These women have been nothing but sup-portive, and they play an important and spe-cial role in all that we do for Mississippi agri-culture,” she said. “I have enjoyed working with Betty Mills, Clara Bilbo and the many other staff members and volunteer leaders I have met across the

state. The events I have participated in so far have proven to be a great platform for promoting agriculture, and I can’t wait to be a part of the summer and fall activities.”

For more information about the Farm Bureau Ambassador scholarship program, contact Clara Bilbo with the MFBF Wom-en’s Programs at (601) 977-4245.

Jessica’s parents are Mark and Debbie Smith. Her grandmother, Charlene Smith, is chair of the Pearl River County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee.

B Y G LY N DA P H I L L I P S

“FARM BUREAU IS A GREAT ORGANIZATION. I APPRECI-

ATE THAT IT REPRESENTS THE INTERESTS OF MISSISSIPPI

FARMERS, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING

WITH STAFF MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEER LEADERS

IN THE COMING YEAR TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC

ABOUT AGRICULTURE.”

JESSICA SMITH

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Telling Agriculture’s Story

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY 9MARCH/APRIL 2016

attleman Clyde Goudeau is the real deal.

The 80-year-old renowned Brahman herdsman, breeder and judge has enjoyed a career that has spanned over seven decades and made a huge contribution to the Ameri-can Brahman cattle industry. At the time of his interview, he was about to judge his last cattle show in February in Tampa, Florida.

Clyde and his late wife, Betty Jo, opened their cattle fitting operation, Cajun’s Cattle Service, some 40 years ago in the gently roll-ing hills of Osyka in the southwestern corner of Mississippi. Before that, Clyde worked for some very large Brahman cattle opera-tions in Texas, Louisiana and Florida. He had great mentors, paid close attention and gained a reputation as an excellent herds-man. He also seemed to have a natural abil-ity for working with cattle.

At its apex, Cajun’s Cattle Service bred, showed and sold prize-winning Brahman cattle for some 45 breeders around the state and nation. The operation boasted 150 head of show cattle as well as Clyde and Betty Jo’s own cattle. The business had 12 employees. Betty Jo, known for her busi-ness acumen, kept the books and helped out any way she could.

Along the way, Clyde and Betty Jo helped to establish the Mississippi Brah-man Breeders’ Association, the Mississippi Junior Brahman Breeders’ program and a 17-show circuit for Brahman cattle. At one time, Clyde would regularly travel that cir-cuit, judging cattle shows across the state and nation. He has also helped cattlemen in Central and South America. He and Betty Jo also contributed to starting a Brahman herd at Mississippi State University.

Clyde served two terms as president of the American Brahman Breeders’ Associa-tion. In 2015, he and Betty Jo were inducted into the association’s hall of fame.

Clyde is grateful, but he doesn’t dwell on the accolades. He would much rather be outdoors with the cattle that dot the green pastures behind his farmhouse. If you visit his ranch, you understand why.

American Brahman cattle have a unique beauty with their stately bearing, direct gaze, long floppy ears and big hump at the top of their back. Their color ranges from gray to red to white and black. Cattlemen appre-ciate their appearance, but it is their meat and their ability to produce hardy stock that excites them most. The American Brah-man has been used to develop a number of other beef breeds here in the United States, including Beefmaster, Simbrah, Brangus, and Santa Gertrudis.

Claude loves the purebreds, but the Golden Certified F1s on his operation are his moneymakers. The offspring of Ameri-can Brahman mama cows and Hereford bulls, they are a strong, tough breed extremely toler-ant of harsh conditions like the long droughts out West. Clyde’s pastures also boast offspring of American Brahman mama cows and Angus bulls. He says their thick coats allow them to tolerate the long cold winters up North.

It seems Clyde has worked with cattle his whole life.

“I was raised on a farm in Louisiana, where we had a little of everything, includ-ing Red Poll cattle. When my father died, I

began herding Brahman cattle at the age of nine for our neighbor, Circle D Ranch,”

he said. “One of the managers, Uncle Joe Seymour, taught me a lot. He set me on my life’s course and lit the fire that still burns inside me for Brahman cattle.”

At the age of 14, Clyde was recruited by a legendary herdsman to work for a large ranch in Texas. What Clyde decided to do instead was work for J.D. Hudgins, one of the largest Brahman breeders in Texas. After 2½ years, he returned home to Circle D Ranch then worked for a while in Ken-tucky showing cattle.

“I met Betty Jo while I was in Kentucky,” he said. “We married and moved to Florida, where I worked for Polk Brahman Farms and A. Duda and Sons Ranch. In Florida, we had our daughters.”

Clyde and Betty Jo eventually returned to Louisiana then opened their own business in Mississippi. Clyde lost Betty to cancer in 2001, but he looks back with pride and fond memo-ries on the life they built together. And as is his nature, he also looks forward with anticipa-tion to whatever the future might hold.

Nine years ago, Clyde married the for-mer Gloria McBride of Gonzales, Louisiana, and they live and farm on the ranch that was begun all of those years ago. Clyde intends to continue working with cattle, although on a smaller scale, for as long as he is able. He wouldn’t have it any other way.

Working with cattle is for Clyde Goudeau as essential as the air that he breathes.

Clyde Goudeau has been an Amite County Farm Bureau member for over 40 years. A special thanks to the The Brahman Journal as a resource for this article.

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B Y G LY N DA P H I L L I P SC

*TH

E REAL DEAL

*


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

Proud to be a Mississippi Farmer by Lonnie Fortner

My name is Lonnie Fortner. I am the managing partner of Rock Lake Planting Company. Rock Lake is a diversified row crop farm consisting of 3,500 acres of cot-ton, peanuts, corn, soybeans and sesame in Claiborne and Warren counties. My wife, Karen, and I have two children, a daughter, Beth, and a son, Lee.

My love of farming began at a very early age. I grew up on a farm in Webster County, and my earliest memories are of being in the truck or on the tractor with my daddy. Naptime was a nightmare for a 3- or 4-year-old who would have rather been in the field. Mother would try, though. I would lie awake, waiting for the sound of Daddy’s truck pulling up to the shop. It was then I would make my break for it because I knew Daddy would not tell me no. He always let me go with him, even if it meant me being in the way.

As I got older, being in the field is where everything felt right. Till this day, it is all I ever wanted to do. To me, farming is a call-ing; it has never felt like work. People ask me all the time why I do what I do and work as hard as I work. I jokingly reply it’s my daddy’s fault. He instilled in me the work ethic and the love that I have for farming to this day.

But as God and fate would have it, my life’s journey would take me away from Webster County and the farm. After gradu-ating from Mississippi State, I went to work for the USDA-Farm Service Agency as a county director. I enjoyed working with the farmers in my counties and helping them in any way I could. But I missed farming. I just couldn’t get it out of my system.

It was during this period of time I got to know JOC Carpenter and Emile Guedon, and they would give me the opportunity

that I had been pray-ing for — a chance to start back farming. So in 1996, we moved to Port Gibson, where I began managing Rock Lake. And we’ve been here ever since. In 2006, I became a member of the partnership, and we have truly been blessed.

If I had to think of a word to describe Rock Lake, it would have to be innovative. I have learned a lot over the past 20 years from JOC and Emile, but the main thing is not to be scared to try new things.

The cornerstone of our farm has always been crop rotation. Without irrigation, rota-tion is one way to help maximize yields. We never plant the same crop in back-to-back years in the same field. Peanuts were added to our rotation in 2004. Now, on all of our acreage, we have a three-crop rotation.

MAY/JUNE 201612 MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

In 2005, we began applying our fertilizer using variable rate technology. I felt it would be more cost efficient to purchase our own buggy and write the prescription for each field ourselves. This allowed us to reduce our fertilizer cost. We added guidance tech-nology in 2006 to make us more efficient and to aid in the peanut harvest. We began planting cover crops in the fall to minimize soil erosion. Then in the spring, after the cover crop has been killed, we’ll strip-till and plant. One hundred percent of our cropland acres are farmed in a minimum-till system. Running a strip-till has allowed us to cut back on equipment and labor.

We are constantly evaluating new vari-eties and cropping systems. I am always willing to work with Mississippi State and industry reps to put in variety trials or help in researching a production practice. This

has led to us adopting twin-row peanuts and soybeans. We have also just recently begun growing sesame to add another non-legume crop in our rotation. It is important for us as farmers to evaluate the latest innovations and see which ones can be utilized on our farms to make us more profitable.

I think as farmers we have a responsibil-ity to give back to our local communities as well as to the agricultural community. Karen and I both try to give as much of our time as we can. She is very involved in our church’s youth program and in the school as well. I serve on the Mississippi Peanut Growers Association Board, Mis-sissippi Peanut Promotion Board and as the Mississippi alternate to the National Peanut Board. I serve as vice president on the county Farm Bureau board, and I have served on the state board as well.

I am also serving a 3-year term on the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation’s Com-munications Committee. This is the steering committee for the Farm Families of Mis-sissippi Agriculture Promotion Campaign. With the issues facing agriculture today, it is necessary for farmers to stand together with one voice. Farm Bureau is that voice.

Growing up on a farm was truly a bless-ing. Being able now to share that same expe-rience with my family is especially gratifying. I am proud to be a Mississippi farmer.

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.

We are constantly evaluating new varieties and cropping systems. I am always willing to work with Mississippi State and industry reps to put in variety trials or help in researching a production practice.

— Lonnie Fortner

Lonnie and Karen Fortner with children, Lee and Beth.


“In my opInIon, If you don’t take good care of your cows and you aren’t a good steward of the land, you won’t be profItable or stay In busIness very long.”

JODY WAGNER

Third-generation cattleman Jody Wagner of Hickory takes good care of his livestock and land. When you visit his 500-acre Newton County farm, you see the truth of these words. His cows are healthy and strong, and they graze contentedly on the farm’s rolling green pastureland. It is a beautiful sight to see.

“In my opinion, if you don’t take good care of your cows and you aren’t a good steward of the land, you won’t be profitable or stay in business very long,” Jody said.

The Wagner cow-calf operation consists of 100 head of cattle made up of mature female cows, their calves and young female cows that are called heifers. The heifers will eventually produce calves when they are old enough. The farm also has bulls for breed-ing purposes.

A cow-calf operation represents the beginning of the beef cattle industry cycle in the United States.

COW-CALF PROCESS “I raise calves then sell them after wean-

ing them off their mamas when they are about 500 to 600 pounds,” Jody said. “I sell them to a stocker operation or a feeder calf operation. From there, they are either sold again or taken to a feedlot, where they continue to grow until they are large enough to be processed.”

Jody says cows in a cow-calf operation are usually grazed on natural grass or on for-ages that are planted for this purpose. Occa-sionally, their diets are supplemented with minerals and some small amounts of rough-age. In general, a cow-calf operation requires more acreage than other types of beef cattle operations, but some farmers use rotational grazing, which allows them to graze cows on smaller amounts of pastureland.

SOME HISTORY “I grew up on our family farm, and I

began working on the farm at the age of 10,” Jody said. “Early in my career, I worked in

the feedlot industry in the Texas panhandle, but I have been back on the family farm since I was 26. I bought the operation from my mother.”

Jody has a bachelor’s degree in animal sci-ence, with a concentration in animal nutrition, from Mississippi State University and a mas-ter’s degree from Oklahoma State University.

As for specific skills, he says beef cattle farmers must have a fair amount of knowl-edge about a lot of different things, from plumbing to mechanics to veterinary skills.

“You must also be patient, and you must love the outdoors and working with ani-mals,” he said.

FARM BUREAU Jody, a longtime Farm Bureau volunteer

leader, believes deeply in the organization. “Farm Bureau is the best advocate farm-

ers have to ensure we have a continued opportunity to provide food and fiber for the U.S.,” he said. “It is important that we

work together to keep our industry strong.”Jody serves on the Newton County Farm

Bureau Board of Directors and is chair of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Beef Commodity Advisory Committee. He is also a member of the Mississippi Board of Animal Health.

Jody’s wife, Jill, teaches agriculture and natural resources and is an FFA advisor at a local school. She is pursuing a Ph.D. from Mississippi State University. The Wagners have two sons, Drew, 12, and Russ, 9, who show steers, pigs and heifers in 4-H and love farm life.

The family is active in their community and church.

IMPORTANT COMPONENT Beef production is a significant com-

ponent of Mississippi agriculture. Accord-ing to figures from the Mississippi State University Extension Service, the total value of production of cattle and calves in Mississippi was estimated at $448 million for 2015. Total cattle inventory in Missis-sippi on January 1, 2016, was 940,000 head, including 500,000 head of beef cows and 155,000 head of beef cow replacements. Stocker cattle production is also very prominent, with 400,000+ head of stocker cattle residing in the state annually. Missis-sippi currently has a total of approximately 16,000 beef cattle operations.

According to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, cattle inventory nationally (as of Jan 1, 2015) was 89.8 million, up 1 per-cent from Jan. 2014. The economic impact was $44 billion in farm gate receipts (USDA NASS). The number of farms and ranches specializing in beef cattle was 619,172 (2012), and the number of cattle and calf operations was 915,000 (2012).


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A MISSISSIPPI COW-CALF OPERATION


Sweet MagnoliaSweet Magnolia Gelato Company (Sweet Magnolia) was born out of a love of family and a passion for cooking.

“I am the cook in our family, and I am always looking for delicious, healthy foods to prepare for my wife and children,” said Hugh Balthrop of Clarksdale. “My family loves ice cream, and since a lot of the ice cream sold in grocery stores contains addi-tives, I started making my own. It was such a hit with my family and friends, I began thinking about offering it to the public.”

Hugh and his wife, Erica, are foodies who enjoy traveling and checking out eating establishments wherever they go. Hugh also looks online for new and interesting recipes to try. When he learned that Pennsylvania State University was offering a course in how to make ice cream, he decided to take it.

“It was an intensive, excellent course,” he said, gesturing toward the mountain of books he has accumulated on the subject.

“I also studied under a gelato master, and I learned to appreciate gelato. So in addi-tion to a few ice cream and sorbet products, gelato is my emphasis now.”

ARTISAN GELATOGelato differs from ice cream in a couple

of important ways. First of all, it has a more intense flavor because it contains only 30 percent air as opposed to the 50 to 100 per-cent air in ice cream. Second, gelato has less sugar and fat than ice cream.

Hugh purchased an Italian gelato machine (he has since purchased a second machine) and, through trial and error, came up with a variety of flavors. From Blueberry Cheesecake to Strawberry Champagne to Expresso and Peppermint Bark, there is something for everyone. The flavors often change, depending on the time of year and what is available at the local farms he uses.

“My way of getting into the different stores

and restaurants has been to offer them sam-ples to taste,” he said. “I ask them, ‘Do you like this? What can I do to make it better?’”

One taste of the Vanilla-Honey flavor, and you see why Sweet Magnolia has quickly garnered a following. It is delicious, of course, but it is truly a product of Mississippi and Mississippi agriculture.

As the base for its products, Sweet Mag-nolia uses fresh organic cream and milk from Brown Family Dairy in Lafayette County. The honey comes from the Powell and Sons apiary in Clarksdale. Blueberries and black-berries are from Peggy’s Blueberry Farm in Senatobia. Pecans and pralines come from Indianola Pecan House in Indianola. Pastured eggs are from The Peeples Farm in Oxford, and muscadines come from Woodson Ridge Farms in Oxford, just to name a few of the many flavors and participating farms.

Sweet Magnolia sells its products to sev-eral Clarksdale restaurants as well as at Miss Cordelia’s in Memphis, Tennessee, and at Whole Foods grocery stores in Jackson, Mis-sissippi, Memphis and Nashville, Tennes-see, Birmingham and Huntsville, Alabama, and Duluth, Georgia. It is sold at Rainbow Co-op and McDade’s Market in Jackson and to Sugaree’s Bakery in New Albany.

Sweet Magnolia products are also served at Surin of Thailand restaurant, Deep South Pops and The Manship in Jackson.

A COMMUNITY EFFORT“We are a wholesale operation, but I

may add a food truck or a retail front to this as space becomes available,” Hugh said, gesturing around what he calls his “gelato factory.” The space includes the two gelato freezers, storage freezers, a demo cart and a walk-in freezer.

Sweet Magnolia is located in the Coahoma County Business Development Center, or “Incubator,” behind the Clarks-dale Chamber of Commerce. The Incuba-tor, which has been in operation since 1992, helps to support new businesses. Tana Vassell is the manager.

Sweet Magnolia is featured in a docu-mentary called “Delta Flavor,” which was shown at the Oxford Film Festival. Missis-sippi Farm Bureau Federation’s “Voices of Agriculture” television program featured Sweet Magnolia in a recent segment, and the gelato was served at recent Delta Supper Club dinners at Dockery Farms near Cleve-land and New Roxy in Clarksdale.

Sweet Magnolia regularly hosts students who want to tour, observe and learn. Hugh is also proud of the fact that the business employs six local youths.

“This is a community effort,” he said. “We want to support our local farmers and what they grow, but we also want to sup-port our community by giving back through employment opportunities.”

Hugh says the name Sweet Magnolia comes from the magnolia trees growing in his front yard. They were in full bloom as he was walking near them holding his daugh-ter’s hand.

“The scent was so wonderful and sweet, I thought, ‘Sweet Magnolia.’ It hit me just like that.”

Hugh and Erica have three children, Ayinde, 13; Mhina, 10; and Emeka, 7.


Sweet Magnolia

for more InformatIon, vIsIt the sweet magnolIa websIte at www.sweetmagnolIagelato.com or the sweet magnolIa facebook or Instagram pages. sweet magnolIa Is a member of make mIne mIssIssIppI.

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“This is a community effort. We want to support our local farmers and what they grow, but we also want to support our community by giving

back through employment opportunities.”HUGH BALTHROP

New Orleans-Style Scampi

2 lbs. fresh shrimp½ c. fresh lemon juice1 T. green onions1 tsp. salt½ tsp. paprika¾ c. butter1 ½ tsp. parsley, chopped2 lg. cloves garlic, crushedDash hot sauce

Peel and devein shrimp, leaving tails on. Set aside. Melt butter over low heat. Add lemon juice and next five ingredients and mix well. Arrange shrimp in shallow baking dish. Brush shrimp with butter mixture and sprinkle with paprika. Broil five to six inches from heat, turning and basting until shrimp turns pink. Serve immediately.

Clara BilboMadison County

Sausage Mushroom Quiche

½ lb. sausage¼ c. onion, chopped¼ c. red bell pepper, chopped

Slow-Cooker Chicken and Dressing

1 rotisserie chicken, deboned and chopped1 recipe of cornbread, crumbled8 slices of day-old bread2 stalks celery, chopped2 med. yellow onions, chopped1 tsp. salt1 tsp. pepper4 lg. eggs, beaten2 (14-oz.) cans chicken broth2 cans cream of chicken soup1 can cream of mushroom soup3 T. butter

Mix all together. Dot with butter. Cook 3 hours on high or 4-5 hours on low. Stir once.

Betty EdwardsAmite County

1 (3-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened⅓ c. half and half cream1 c. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded½ tsp. pepper1 (5-oz.) can sliced mushrooms or sliced fresh mushrooms¼ c. green pepper, chopped4 lg. eggs½ tsp. salt1 c. cheddar cheese1 pastry shell

In a skillet, cook sausage for three or four min-utes, breaking into small pieces. Add onion, peppers and mushrooms (if using fresh). Cook and stir until sausage is no longer pink and vegetables are tender. Drain and set aside. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in eggs and cream. Stir in cheeses, salt and pepper, and the sausage mixture. Pour into baked pastry shell and bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. If necessary, cover edges of pie crust with foil to keep from over browning. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Serves 6 to 8.

Dott ArthurLeake County

Recipese

COUNTRY COOKING, VOLUME V: These recipes are from “Country Cooking, Volume V,” now available at most county offices. The cost is $20. If you order a cookbook from the state office, you will pay $20 plus postage. • For more information, contact Pam Jones at (601) 977-4854.


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 [email protected] or (601) 977-4854.

Lap Throws

CALENDAR of EVENTS MAY 15 Deadline for Teacher/ Volunteer AITC Workshops

JUNE 1 Scholarships Deadline

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

JUNE 25 Gary Langley Memorial Clay Shoot Kearney Park Farms, Flora

JULY 6 Cotton Summer Commodity Meeting Grenada Extension Office, Grenada

JULY 7 Peanut Summer Commodity Meeting Larry’s Fish House, Itta Bena

JULY 15 Sweet Potato Summer Commodity Meeting Calhoun County Multipurpose Building, Pittsboro

JULY 25-28 Youth Safety Seminar Gray Center, Canton


MAY/JUNE 201620 MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY

A Beloved Mighty oAkMYRTLE BELUE ALDRIDGE, 86, of the Providence Community near Hattiesburg estimates the live oak tree growing on Aldridge Farm is approximately 172.4 years old. It is awesome to think that a tree dating back to the early 1800s is still alive today. How much history and how many changes has it lived through? How many high winds and rainstorms, harsh winters and droughts has it endured?

stB Y G LY N DA P H I L L I P S


Historic Corinth Depot and Crossroads Museum Alcorn County Courthouse

In more recent years, the tree made it through Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Sixteen pecan trees on the farm were taken out by the storm, but the mighty oak remained.

MEMORIESThe tree brings back memories.“My husband and I lived in town in

the early years of our marriage,” she said. “When the city began to grow and become mostly concrete, we decided to move out to the country. One day, we happened to pass by a piece of property just off Old Highway 49 North in the northwest corner of Jones County. The land had a large field we loved, and we knew immediately that we wanted it. But it wasn’t for sale, and we didn’t think we had a chance of ever owning it.”

At the time, Bill worked at Smith’s Bak-ery in downtown Hattiesburg, where he remained for 31 years until his retirement. A co-worker told him he knew the land-owners. He said he would mention to Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Delk that Bill and Myrtle Aldridge were interested in purchasing a parcel of their land, but he cautioned Bill not to get his hopes up. He didn’t think the owners would sell.

But the owners called.“They told us they were thinking about

selling a little land because of their age and

health,” Myrtle said. “We went to meet them, and discovered they were willing to sell the 20 acres we had admired. My hus-band and I had always discussed everything together before we made a decision about anything. But when the owners told us how much they wanted for the land, Bill just spontaneously said, ‘We’ll take it.’ I lowered my eyes and didn’t say a word. We bought the land, and we never regretted it.

“We signed the deed to the land in May 1968, so it has been in our family for 48 years as of May this year.”

As the years passed, the Aldridges bought 10 more acres from the Delks.

Jesse and Willie Blanche Delk, who were married on Dec. 9, 1923, explained to Bill and Myrtle that a cornfield was once located near the live oak tree. Jesse would use it as a shade tree.

The family tried to guess how the seed for the oak had come to the land, whether a windstorm had blown it there or perhaps a large bird or an animal had brought it.

“Oh, it was God’s work,” Myrtle said. “And isn’t His creation beautiful? The great thing about this tree to me is that all of the members of our family have been able to enjoy it. I think that’s pretty wonderful.”

Myrtle and Bill, who passed away in 2014 at the age of 88, have one daughter, Teresa

(James) Walters, and two grandchildren, Jes-sica and Joshua (Kristin). They also have three great-grandchildren, Aldridge, Parker and Gracie. Bill and Myrtle had been married for 63½ years at the time of his death.

ALDRIDGE OAKAnother wonderful aspect of owning

such a glorious tree is that it can be seen and enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

“You don’t have to travel to the Gulf Coast or to Louisiana to enjoy a beautiful old live oak tree,” Myrtle said. “There’s one right here in Hattiesburg.

“We had a professor from St. Louis named Steve Badger, who has relatives in this area, stop by and tell us that every time he visits his family he enjoys looking at the oak,” she said. “Steve took photos of the tree and measured it. We are in the process of trying to get the tree registered, and we are excited about that.”

Since the Aldridge family has been a part of Farm Bureau for 64 years, beginning this year, and since Myrtle always reads her Mississippi Farm Country magazine, she thought other Farm Bureau members and friends would enjoy seeing and reading about the beloved mighty oak in these pages.

“To God be the Glory,” she said.Here it is for your enjoyment.

“You don’t have to travel to the Gulf Coast or to Louisiana to enjoy a beautiful old live oak tree. There’s one right here in Hattiesburg.”

MYRTLE BELUE ALDRIDGEu v

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

Champion Spotted Hog - Jessalyn Savell, Newton County

Sale of Junior Champions

Champion Lightweight Goat - Anna Lee Guy/Dakota Rogers, Smith County MS Bred Grand Champion Barrow - Sarah Thomas Smith, Sunflower County

Reserve Champion Hampshire Hog – Sidney and Tripp McGee, Newton County

Reserve Champion Goat -Champion Light Heavyweight Goat, Triston and Kylie Roberts, Smith County

Reserve Champion English Steer - Preston Welch, Jones County

Pictured are the animals purchased by Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation and other sponsors at the 2016 Sale of Junior Champions. A special thanks to Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Com-pany; Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company; Farm Bureau

Bank; Mississippi Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company; Tico’s Steakhouse; Southern Cross Underwriters; Hilton of Jackson; Tele-South Communications; Attala Frozen Foods; Ogletree Deakins; Matthews, Cutrer & Lindsay PA; and N & W Construction.


The State Women’s Leadership Committee took a cash donation to Ronald McDonald House of Jackson as part of the Our Food Link program, which seeks to reach out to consumers of all ages and backgrounds with information about today’s agriculture. Committee members are pictured with Ruth Ann Allen, executive director of Ronald McDonald House of Jackson. Also pictured are Women’s Programs Coordinator Clara Bilbo, Women’s Programs Special-ist Pam Jones and Wayne County Farm Bureau Women’s Chair Elsie McCollough. Making the presentation is State Women’s Chair Betty Mills. The donation is the result of efforts by volunteer leaders across the state.

Our Food Link

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AFBF Convention HighlightsMississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) participated in Ameri-

can Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention activities in Orlando, Florida, in January. William and Cala Tabb won the national YF&R Achievement Award competition, and J. Tedrick Ratcliff Jr. advanced to the YF&R Sweet Sixteen Discussion Meet semifinals. In addition,

Matthew and Gaea Hock represented our state well in national YF&R Excellence in Agriculture competition. Also pictured are the Women Voting Delegates and MFBF President Mike McCormick with Mickey Mouse, who welcomed Mississippi volunteer leaders and their families to a special “Mississippi Dinner” at the convention. FB


Blue Jeans Go GreenTM

When the State Women’s Leadership Committee read that cotton was being recycled for use as wall insulation in a New Orleans project for Habitat for Humanity, they decided to join Blue Jeans Go Green,™ a project begun by Cotton Incorporated to upcycle old jeans into insulation. “It was amazing how our Mississippi coun-ties responded,” said State Women’s Chair Betty Mills. In all, over 2,000 denim items were collected then delivered to the Mid-South Gin Show. Pictured with members of the State Women’s Leadership Committee are Wayne County Farm Bureau Women’s Chair Elsie McCollough, Women’s Pro-grams Coordinator Clara Bilbo and Wom-en’s Programs Specialist Pam Jones. Since Cotton Incorporated started the Blue Jeans Go Green™ program in 2006, over one mil-lion pieces of denim have been diverted from landfills and over two million square feet of UltraTouch™ Denim Insulation have been generated. FB

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY 27MARCH/APRIL 2016

Winter Commodity ConferenceExcellent speakers and attendance marked the 2016 Mississippi

Farm Bureau Federation Winter Commodity Conference held in Jackson in January. The two-day event featured programs for land

and forestry, livestock and aquaculture, and row crops and apiculture. Pictured, at left, is Bryce Knorr, senior grain market analyst for Farm Futures magazine, who presented a grain market outlook program.


Ag Day at the CapitolAg Day at the Capitol was a great success this year, with volunteer

leaders from across the state gathering in Jackson to visit the Capitol and have lunch with their legislators at Galloway United Method-ist Church. Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves addressed the group.


SEE PAGE 5 FOR A LIST OF OUR FARM BUREAU MEMBER BENEFITS.

The 2016 Ag Book of the Year is “Millie’s Chickens” by Brenda Williams, illustrated by Valeria Cis. One of Mil-lie’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 differ-ent 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 num-ber of past ag books of the year, “The Bee Man,” “Seed, Soil, Sun” and “Who Grew My Soup?”

Millie’s Chickens

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AITC T-Shirts for Sale If you have not purchased your Ag in the Classroom T-shirt, contact Pam Jones at [email protected] or (601) 977-4854. The shirts are available in maroon or red, sizes Youth, small through large, and Adult, small through 3XL. The cost is $15 for short sleeves and $20 for long sleeves. Flo Blue Comfort Color shirts are also available. These shirts cost more but are still more affordable than if purchased somewhere else. Short-sleeve shirts are $18 and long-sleeve shirts are $23 in the same sizes as the T-shirts. FB

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