november/december 2009

Have you heard?about the many benefits of your Farm Bureau membership?You may not know that when you pay your annual membership fee, it

includes many valuable member benefits. Highlighted below are a few of

these benefits. To see a complete list, visit our Web site at www.msfb.com.

Take advantage of the benefits available to Farm Bureau®

members ONLY.

If you are not a member, joining is simple. Contact the Farm Bureau office

in the county where you live, pay your membership dues, and start

enjoying these benefits today!

www.msfb.com

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRY MAGAZINEWhen you join your county Farm Bureau, you

automatically receive Mississippi Farm Country

magazine for one year. Published bi-monthly, this

magazine spotlights a different area of agriculture

each issue. It also contains feature material about

rural Mississippi and information on agricultural

issues and Farm Bureau programs. Join today.

You don’t want to miss a single issue.

2 M I S S I S S I P P I F A R M C O U N T R Y N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R

ADT HOME SECURITY SYSTEM Southern Security Services is offering an ADT

Basic Home Security System installed at no

charge (36-month monitoring contract required)

to members of Farm Bureau. Some restrictions may apply. For more information, call 1.800.960.9119.

AGRISTAR GLOBAL INTERNET A high-speed internet service that can reach all parts of the state – even rural areas.

Please call 1.888.777.0440 or you can visit www.agristar.com.

Departments

FeaturesCONTENTS

MISSISSIPPI FARM COUNTRYVolume 85 Number 6

November/December 2009

EDITORGlynda Phillips

Graphic Arts CoordinatorDanielle Ginn

Department AssistantAngela Thompson

FARM BUREAU OFFICERSPresident - David Waide

Vice President - Donald GantVice President - Randy KnightVice President - Reggie Magee

Treasurer - Billy DavisCorporate Secretary - Ilene Sumrall

FARM BUREAU DIRECTORSDr. Jim Perkins, IukaKevin Simpson, AshlandPaul Briscoe, Oxford

Bill Ryan Tabb, ClevelandMike Ferguson, SenatobiaDan L. Bishop, BaldwynL.C. Sanders, HamiltonDoss Brodnax, StarkvilleBetty Mills, Winona

Weldon Harris, KosciuskoKenneth Thompson, Philadelphia

Max Anderson, DecaturJames Ford, TaylorsvilleMark Chaney, VicksburgJeff Mullins, MeadvilleBill Pigott, Tylertown

E.A. “Pud” Stringer, FoxworthWendell Gavin, LaurelTerry B. Estis, LucedaleTom Daniels, GulfportDott Arthur, CarthageBrad Woods, Columbia

HONORARY VICE-PRESIDENTSLouis J. Breaux, David H. Bennett, and

Warren Oakley

Mississippi Farm Country (ISSN 1529-9600) magazine is published bimonthly by the

*Mississippi Farm Bureau® Federation.

EDITORIAL AND BUSINESS OFFICES6311 Ridgewood RoadJackson, MS 39211

TELEPHONE601.977.4153

ADVERTISINGCall Paul Hurst at1.800.397.8908

Farm Bureau members receive this publication as part of their membership benefit. Periodicals

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

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

*FARM BUREAU®, FB® and all Farm Bureau Logos used in thismagazine are registered service marks owned by the AmericanFarm Bureau Federation. They may not be used in anycommercial manner without the prior written consent of theAmerican Farm Bureau Federation.

Material in this publication is based on what the editor believesto be reliable information. Neither Mississippi Farm BureauFederation nor those individuals or organizations contributingto the MFBF publication assume any liability for errors that mightgo undetected in the publication - this includes statements inarticles or advertisements that could lead to erroneous personalor business management decisions.

ABOUT THE COVERClaiborne County farmer Lonnie Fortner says there’s nothing better than

a field of good-looking cotton. He just can’t afford to grow it right now.

Read about changes within the cotton industry, beginning on page 8.

8

22

31

NOVEM B E R / D E C E M B E R M I S S I S S I P P I F A R M C O U N T R Y 3

FeaturesCHANGES IN AGRICULTURE Come with us as we look at recent changes

within in the cotton, dairy and catfish industries.

We also learn about Mississippi’s farmers

markets and visit a man who is supplementing

his retirement income growing alternative crops.

SOLVE THE MYSTERYThis Copiah County town was once known

as the Tomato Capital of the World.

Read the clues and make your guess.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTSMississippi Farm Bureau knows that today’s

youths are tomorrow’s agricultural leaders.

We offer a number of scholarships to students

majoring in ag-related fields of study.

Meet this year’s recipients inside.

Departments2 Member Benefits

4 President’s Message

6 Commodity Update: Beef

7 Commodity Update: Dairy

26 Counselor’s Corner

he focus of our magazine is on

the changing times of agriculture.

This issue looks at some of the

really big changes that have occurred

and that will continue to occur in agricul-

tural production. Agriculture has been a

continuing evolution since the beginning of

time. It is the oldest known profession.

The thing that has been phenomenal in

agriculture is the number of people involved

in agricultural output. Over the last 100

years, we have gone from almost 100%

participation by our population to something

less than 2% of the workforce being

involved in the production of food, fiber

and energy.

Agriculture is such a vital part of our

economy, not to mention how essential it

is in our everyday lives. At least three

times each day, we all participate in

agriculture, whether we realize it or not.

Those three times include the intake of the

different food groups that cause us to

sustain healthy bodies.

In a day, there are many other ways we

participate in agriculture that we seldom

realize. From the early-morning newspaper

that we read to the various correspondences

we use in our daily activity, it is all rooted

in agriculture.

We in Mississippi are very fortunate

to have the utilization of land, water and

timber to sustain the economy through this

downturn that our nation is experiencing.

While Mississippi has experienced rough

economic times, our downturn has not been

nearly as bad as many of our sister states.

This is because of the economic base we

have in Mississippi and our dependence on

agriculture.

Niche Markets

What does the future hold for agriculture?

It holds great opportunity for various

niche markets. Rather than a reduction in

the number of farms, we are seeing an

increasing number of farms in most all

states but especially in Mississippi. The

fact that we are creating local markets for

homegrown produce is vitally important in

sustaining our domestic food supply.

When transportation costs are reduced and

locally-grown produce is made available, we

are finding there is a huge consumer

demand. This is not going to change in the

future. It will only increase. It will provide

great opportunity for the new agriculturist.

sustaiNable eNergy

The future also holds great promise for

sustainable energy. The land-grants have

always been on the cutting edge of

technological development of our resources

to be utilized in agriculture. This will not

change in the future, but we are going to see

a little different focus from what we have

seen traditionally. The emphasis in the future

will be on how we can produce sustainable

energy products at an affordable cost.

We keep hearing about cap and trade

legislation. We talk about the effect it can

have on our spending of food dollars. In

addition, we hear about the impact it can

have on our cost of transportation. All of this

is real if that legislation is passed in its

present form.

It is our challenge to convince those

powers that be that the science behind

the reasoning is not sound. It is all mere

speculation. Let me offer a prime example

of one of the things that is being touted, and

let’s reduce it to the common sense

approach. Take a glass of water and ice,

filled to the brim. The ice melts. The water

does not overflow. This is a common sense

approach to prove that, if the glaciers melt,

this will not have the effect that many

environmental activists tell us it will have

by reducing our land mass because of the

melting of those glaciers.

If we use common sense and reason, we

can do those things that are essential to

protect our environment. However, we

should be very careful how we approach it,

and we should ask those activists to

scientifically support their claims. I hope

Congress will do that as they deliberate

cap and trade.

The ability we have to produce domestic

energy will increase with technological

advances. In addition, we will see

pharmaceutical plants grown that will make

our diet healthier. It will be essential to

maintaining a resistance to some diseases,

such as diabetes, heart-related illness, and

many cancers.

bright Future

Overall, I see a bright future for

agriculture. I also see numerous challenges

in the regulatory field. I hope, as Farm

Bureau members, we will all engage in

trying to inform our regulators and

legislators that we indeed want sound

science to back those regulations and laws

that are passed that possess the possibility

of having a tremendously negative impact

on what we do in agriculture

T


Agriculture’s Future is Bright

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

By David Waide • President, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation

CALENDAR OF EVENTSNov. 5 State Resolutions Meeting

MFBF Building, Jackson

Dec. 5-7 MFBF Annual MeetingHilton Hotel, Jackson

Jan. 10-13 AFBF Annual MeetingSeattle, Washington

Jan. 26 Winter Commodity Conf.Row Crops and AquacultureMFBF Building, Jackson

Jan. 27 Winter Commodity Conf.Livestock and ForestryMFBF Building, Jackson

Feb. 1-3 Member Tour of the CapitalWashington, DC

JOB#: 132481 DATE: 3/10/09 3:12 PM REV: 0 OPERATOR: Judi L/S@133 PDF

M91454 CLIENT: FARM BUREAU LIVE: 7” X 9.5” AD: DeFilippo 3507 PROOFREADING SIGNOFFPRODUCT: 2009 DODGE RAM NOTES: AE: Lyndsay 4855

INITIALS: ______ DATE: _________

CHANGES:DATE: 03/10/09 3:15 PM TITLE: Works Night and Day AC: Miller 4517

GA: DD SPECS: 4/C Magazine PP: GALLAGHER 3650

260_ucr

*Must be a Farm Bureau member for at least 30 days. Contact your local Farm Bureau offi ce for details. †See your dealer for a copy of this Limited Warranty. Farm Bureau is a federally registered collective membership and a registered service mark of the American Farm Bureau Federation and is being used by Dodge under license from the American Farm Bureau Federation. Cummins is a registered trademark of Cummins, Inc.

WORKS NIGHT AND DAY.UH, WE’RE TALKIN’ ABOUT THE TRUCK.$500 CASH ALLOWANCE* ON A NEW DODGE FOR FARM BUREAU® MEMBERS.We all know farming can be hard work, unless you have a Dodge Ram 4500 or 5500 Chassis Cab. With a standard 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel with an integrated exhaust brake and 610 lb-ft of torque and a 5-year/100,000-mile Cummins Limited Engine Warranty,† plus four available cab-to-axle dimensions and a maximum payload/upfi t allowance of up to 11,880 lb, you’ll realize these trucks don’t know the meaning of the word quit. For more information, go to dodge.com/chassis_cab or call 800-4ADODGE.

$$$$$$$$50505050505050500000 0 0 0 0000 CCACACACACACAAAASHSHHSHSHSHSHSHSHSH AAA A A AAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL OWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWWWANANANANANANANANANNNCECECECECECECEC ****** O O OOOOOOOO NNNN N N NNNNNN AAAA A A AAA NNENENENENENENENENEN WWW W W WWWWWW DODODODODODODODODODGDGDGDGDGDGDGDGDGD EEE E EEEEE FFOFOFOFOFOFOFOORRR R R RRRRR FAFAFAFAFAFAFAFAARMMMRMRMRMRMRMRMRMRMM BB B B BBBBBBBURUURURURURURURURREAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAUUUUUUUUU®®®®®®®® M M MMMMMMMMMM EMEMEMEMEMEMEMEMMMBEBEBEBEBEBEBEBEBB RSRSSSRSRSRSRSRSRSR ....WWeWeWeWeWeW a aaaalllllllll kk k kknononoww w ww ffafafafaarmrmrmiiinininng g g gg cacacaann nn bbebebebeb h h h hhararardd d d d wowowowow rkrkkrkrkrk,, uununununlllelelelessssssss y yyyouououou hh hhhavavava e e ee a a a DoDoDoDoD ddgdgdgdgdgge e e ee RRaRaRaRam m mmm 4454545450000000000 o o oor rr 555555550000000000 C C CChhhahahaassssssiisisisis C C CC bbababababab.. WWiWiWiWiWiW thhthththt aa a a stststststtananana ddadadadada ddrdrdrd 6 6 6 6 7.7.77L LLL CCuCuCuummmmmmiininininsss®®® TTTTTururururbobbobobob D DDDDiieieieesseseseell l l wiwiwiwiwithhthththt a a aaan n nn iinininnttetetetegrgrgrgrg tatatatat dededededed e e ee hxhxhxhx auauauau tstststst b b bbbrarararaakekekekekek a aaa dndndndnd 6 6 6 661010100 l l l llb-bb-b-bb ftftftftft o ooof f f f totototorqrqrqrqqueueueue a aaa dndndndnd aa a a 55-5-5-yeyeyeyeearararara /1/1/110000000000,0,0,0000000000000 m-m-mmililililille e ee CCuCuCuummmmmmiinininins ss ss LiLiLiLii imimimittetetetedd d d dd EEnEnEngigigigiginenenene W WWWWWararrara rrarara tntntnty,y,y,y††† p ppppllulululus s ss ffofofofourrururu a a aaavavavaailililililil babababablellelelele c c cc bababababab t-t-t-tto-o-o-o axaxaxaxaxllelelelel d d ddddiimimimi enenen iisisisiononons ssssaanananandd d d d a a a mamamamaa iixixiximumumumumm mm papapapapa lylylylylyloaoaoaoaad/d/d/d/dd upupupuppfififi fi fit tt tt alalalalallllolololowawawawancncncnce e ee fofofofof u u uup p ppp tototototo 1 1 11,1,1,,88888888888880 0 000 lbblblblbb,, yoyoyoyoyo ’u’u’u’u llllllll r r reaeaeaalililililil zezezeze t t t tthhhehehesesesese t t t trururuu kckckckcks ss ss ddodododod ’n’n’n t tt t kknknknknowowowoww t t t ttheheheheheh memememeeananana iiininingg g gg fofofofof t t tthhehehehe w w wwworororddd d d ququququititititit. FoFoFoFor r r momomomorererere ii ii fnfnfnffororororo mamamaatitititit onononon,, gogogogogogo t t t tto o oo ddodododod dddgdgdgdggeee.eee ccococoo /m/m/m/m hchchchchasasasasa isisisisis_ss_ss cacacacaaabbb b bb ororororo c c ccalalalalalll l l l 80808080800-00-0-00 44A4A4A4A4ADODODODODODGDGDGDGDGE.E.EEE

$500 CASH ALLOWANCE* ON A NEW DODGE FOR FARM BUREAU® MEMBERS.We all know farming can be hard work, unless you have a Dodge Ram 4500 or 5500 Chassis Cab. With a standard 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel with an integrated exhaust brake and 610 lb-ft of torque and a 5-year/100,000-mile Cummins Limited Engine Warranty,† plus four available cab-to-axle dimensions and a maximum payload/upfi t allowance of up to 11,880 lb, you’ll realize these trucks don’t know the meaning of the word quit. For more information, go to dodge.com/chassis_cab or call 800-4ADODGE.

BEEF


The old saying goes that the first step to recovery is admitting you

have a problem. Objective analysis of today’s livestock sector

requires the ability to tell the difference between a symptom and the

root problem. Let’s take our trusty medical bag and give the beef

industry a checkup.

Beef suffers from a long-term export setback – a 5½-year-old BSE

hangover. Lost export markets have never been fully regained, but

it sure hasn’t been for a lack of trying by this organization and many

others. To be sure, no one is looking at a business that has reduced

cattle numbers since the late 1970s and suggesting that producers

cut herd sizes back. Drought, land-use changes, aging producers,

soaring input prices, and profitability have taken care of that just

fine over the years.

To be sure, the economic slowdown at home has affected beef

demand to a greater degree than pork or poultry. Restaurant demand

at the higher end of the spectrum just plain died. White tablecloth

establishments are key to supporting loin and rib markets for

Prime and upper Choice product. When folks became unsure as to

their future income streams, they curtailed restaurant spending

significantly, beginning almost two full years ago.

According to a tracking survey of its members conducted by the

National Restaurant Association, the outlook improved in July for

the first time in three months. Looking inside their survey numbers

yields this interesting fact: When asked whether they expect higher

or lower sales volume in six months, 31% said higher while 33%

said lower same-store sales. However, when asked about change in

“general economic conditions” in six months, 32% said things

would be better and only 24% said worse.

When 33% believe their sales will be down in six months while

almost the same proportion thinks the economy will actually be

better, it reveals restaurant operators have paid attention to consumer

behavior for the past two-plus years. Even when the “green shoots”

come up, folks are holding onto their nickels and pennies for the

inevitable rainy day. Bad news for restaurateurs remains bad news

for the beef business.

Still, there have been bright spots in the cattle/beef complex.

Black ink has made a dramatic reappearance on many feed yard

closeout statements. Less expensive feed fed to less expensive feeder

steers has gee-hawed nicely with an upward trend in fed cattle

prices. In fact, many feeders actually had opportunities from

mid-June through mid-August to go to the futures and lock-in

prices above expected breakevens for fall closeouts. This is a truly

shocking development considering where we have been for so much

of 2009.

Cow-calf operators are wondering when these few positive

developments are going to start trickling down to their level. Hay

supplies remain tight across most of cow country, and drought has

intensified to record levels across much of Texas. Calf prices remain

below 2008 levels across most of the country, reflecting continued

concerns about beef demand and the inevitable effect of billions of

dollars in lost equity at the feeding level. Our optimism is in short

supply for a fall rally at the auctions, on the video, and in the

country this fall, but we are still set up, supply-wise, for great prices

when (1) our economy and (2) everyone else’s economies improve.

As far as the export market is concerned, we find the spring

doldrums extending over into the summer. Through June (the last

month for which we have government data), beef and beef variety

meats were down only 2% in volume but 6% in value. However, if

you want to know how important the return of the Republic of Korea

to the beef import game has been, consider this: If you take Korea

out of the mix, U.S. beef exports would have been off 8% in volume

and a full 12% in value rather than 2% and 6%, respectively. June

itself was an awful month, beef was down 16%.

We will come back for our yearly checkup and discuss where

inventories actually went, whether we killed too many cows, whose

elections hurt our exports and whose elections helped, and numerous

questions from the markets. What is actually less certain than what the

markets will bring us is what will political change bring?

The Justice Department (DOJ) and USDA jointly announced they

will hold public workshops in early 2010 to address concentration

issues in the agricultural sector. Some of the issues likely to be

discussed are quite familiar to us livestock folks: “market practices

such as price spreads, forward contracts, packer ownership of

livestock before slaughter, market transparency and increasing

retailer concentration.”

A fresh look at market organization, continued debate on health

care and climate change…these are just another few things we have

to pay attention to while we’re trying to make a living raising cattle.

This article was written by Jim Sartwell, III, AFBF Livestock Economist.

Beef Industry CheckupBy: Doug Rogers, MFBF Beef Advisory Committee Chair

Jon Kilgore, MFBF Commodity Coordinator for Beef

Doug Rogers Jon Kilgore

COMMODITY UPDATE

Max Anderson

DAIRYDoug Ervin

COMMODITY UPDATE

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R M I S S I S S I P P I F A R M C O U N T R Y 7

The activities of the MFBF Dairy Advisory Committee in 2009

again focused on federal marketing orders, summer forages and

supply management. Farm Bureau is working with surrounding states

throughout the Southeast and in the West to find workable solutions

to our dairy crisis, which entails high input costs, low farm gate

market prices, and less exports of milk.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has put the Dairy

Export Incentive Program (DEIP) into

use after five years of inactivity. This is

a program that subsidizes exports of

milk products in order to move them

outside of our borders. Cooperatives

Working Together (CWT) had a herd

retirement program in July, which

retired 103,000 cows and 1.96 billion

pounds of milk.

Our most recent buyout consisted of

87,000 cows being retired and 1.8

billion pounds of milk. This round,

which is the CWT’s eighth herd

retirement, also removed 3,104 bred

heifers. The 294 farms have been

tentatively accepted. Approximately 73

percent of the farms selected are located

in the East and Midwest, while 70

percent of the cows are from the

Western and Southwestern regions of

the United States.

Our dairy industry is vital to our local

economies throughout the state, with

our infrastructure already beginning to break down. Everyone needs

to realize if nothing is done to save this local, fresh key ingredient, our

overall healthy diet will suffer. Also, the consumers and citizens of

the state of Mississippi will pay more for a gallon of milk at the retail

level due to the increased cost to ship milk in from other states plus

this milk will not be as fresh and wholesome for ourselves and our

children

Working to Help Our Dairy IndustryMax Anderson, MFBF Dairy Advisory Committee Chair

Doug Ervin, MFBF Commodity Coordinator for Dairy

In 2009, the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Dairy Advisory Committeeworked aggressively to aid the dairy industry in Mississippi. Mississippi FarmBureau Federation (MFBF) remained at the forefront of this effort on behalf ofall of our dairy producers.

No Longer Row Crop KingBy Glynda Phillips

Photo

by

Gre

g G

ibso

n

NO V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R M I S S I S S I P P I F A R M C O U N T R Y 9

Cotton can be an expensive and often difficult crop to grow. But

Clint Tindall and Lonnie Fortner would jump at the chance to grow

it again in large acreage, if only that were economically feasible.

The veteran Mississippi cotton farmers say the current price of

cotton doesn’t make up for the higher cost of producing it. A

recessive economy and high grain prices also make it a less

attractive row crop choice right now.

“Dr. Will McCarty, a former longtime Mississippi State

University cotton specialist, once said that cotton just gets in your

blood,” Fortner said with a smile. “That’s certainly the case with me.

There’s nothing better than a field of good-looking cotton. I just

can’t afford to grow it right now.”

Tindall agrees.

“I’m a cotton farmer through and through, but I have to pay the

bills,” said the Webster County producer. “In recent years, my

father and I made the decision to change our farming operations

from 100 percent cotton to a mix of cotton, corn and soybeans. My

father and I planted a total of 1200 acres of cotton this year com-

pared to 2500 acres two years ago.”

The change from cotton to grains wasn’t easy.

“My father and I decided to diversify our farms during a time

when he was transferring a great deal of the responsibility over to me

and after three years of drought,” Tindall said. “I talked with other

grain producers about how they grow corn and soybeans, but I had

to start from what they were telling me and figure out the best way

to grow those crops in my area of the state.

“Once we got into harvest, I knew nothing about a combine

and had to learn one mistake at a time,” he said. “I also had to learn

how much to put on the hopper bottoms to keep them at the legal

weight limit.

“We still grow some cotton with our grains because we are in the

middle of a five-year drought. It’s difficult to irrigate in our area of

the state, so it’s important to diversify,” he said. “Cotton takes stress

well and comes out looking good.”

Fortner agrees. He and his partners rotate cotton with corn,

peanuts and soybeans on their farm near Hermanville in Claiborne

County. The farmers grew 600 acres of cotton this year compared

to 2200 to 2700 acres two to three years ago. Fortner farms in

partnership with J. O. (Joc) Carpenter and Bob and Emile Guedon.

Fortner and Tindall are among a growing number of farmers from

across the nation who have cut back on cotton acreage in recent

years. In 2009, our nation planted the lowest total cotton acreage

since 1983, approximately 9.054 million acres. State farmers planted

an estimated 284,000 acres of cotton, compared to about 1.2

million acres in 2006.

SMALL - TOWN ECONOMIESAccording to Dr. Steve Martin, Mississippi State University Ag

Economist, Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, the

lower cotton acreage has hurt cities and small Mississippi towns in

terms of available jobs for laborers, but has not significantly

hurt overall economies because farmers are growing more corn

and soybeans.

“The switch to grain has lessened the economic impact on our

cities and towns,” he said. “But unless things turn around, they will

begin to feel the loss.

“Some gins have closed – Mississippi has about 71 gins now as

compared to 89 in 2006 – but many are just waiting,” he said. “They

are hoping to start back up again soon.”

Despite the current bleak picture, Martin believes that cotton

acreage will eventually come back significantly.

“With the cuts in acreage and as the economy becomes healthier,

we will see better prices,” he said. “I don’t know if we’ll ever get

back to the acreage we planted prior to 2007 because we’ve gotten

into growing grain crops. We won’t have the one-million-plus acres

we saw before, but we will have substantial acreage within the next

five years.

“We did such a good job and had some of the highest yields in the

nation,” he added. “If we can ever get the price back up, we will be

growing cotton here in Mississippi again.” (Cont’d on page 10)

“Dr. Will McCarty, a former longtime Mississippi State University cotton

specialist, once said that cotton just gets in your blood,” Fortner said with

a smile. “That’s certainly the case with me. There’s nothing better than a

field of good-looking cotton. I just can’t afford to grow it right now.”

DIVERSIFICATION KEY“I can see myself planting more cotton,” Tindall

said. “The population is growing, and we have to

feed and clothe ourselves. Plus, I believe that the

economy will turn around in time. Grain prices may

have plateaued, so it may start looking better to

grow more cotton.”

Fortner agrees that cotton will come back … sort

of.

“I believe cotton will come back in large acreage

in short spurts,” he said. “But the price of cotton is

dictated by where the mills are, and the mills are no

longer here. They are in foreign countries like China

and India. I might be a little pessimistic, but I think

the days of big cotton acreage are gone.”

“Diversification has now become important in

Mississippi,” he said. “It’s what has saved us in

recent years, and I don’t see farmers changing too

much in the future.”

1 0 M I S S I S S I P P I F A R M C O U N T R Y N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R

FC

Soybeans have taken cotton’s place as Mississippi’s number one row crop with approximately 2.2 million acres in 2009. Corn acreage totaled about

800,000 acres. Peanuts are being added to a growing number of diversified farms. Total acreage this year is about 21,000 acres. Pictured on this page

in a cotton field are MFBF Cotton Advisory Committee Chair Clint Tindall and his wife Kristy, their son, Connor, 5; daughter, Emma, 4; son,

Baylor, 3 months; and Clint’s parents, Butch and Sharon. Also on this page is MFBF Peanut Advisory Committee Vice Chair Lonnie Fortner holding

peanuts. On page 8, Lonnie is pictured with soybeans and Butch is shown with corn.

NO V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R M I S S I S S I P P I F A R M C O U N T R Y 1 1

iversity has proven to be

an important key to the

continued success of KBH

Corporation of Clarksdale,

especially during times of significant agricul-

tural change.

In its early years, this family-owned company

made a name for itself selling fertilizer and

cotton equipment exclusively. But modifications

in cotton pickers, along with a sharp downturn

in cotton acreage and an equally sharp upturn in

soybean and corn production in recent years, led

this longtime cotton agribusiness to begin to also

manufacture and sell grain equipment, not only

in Mississippi but throughout the U.S., from

coast to coast.

“Our business grew up around cotton. All we

handled for many years was cotton and fertilizer

equipment,” said Buddy Bass, President of KBH

Corporation. “Through the 1990s, we were

feeling very proud of our popular cotton module

builder and cotton cart when cotton pickers suddenly began being

built with on-board module builders. At that point, we realized that

we were too dependent on one crop. We knew that we would need

to diversify.”

When farmers began growing corn in large acreage in the

early-1990s, KBH added dry fertilizer handling equipment to its

product line. In 2002-2003, when soybean acreage increased

substantially, the company saw bulk seed handling and treatment of

seed becoming prominent.

“We were already manufacturing hoppers and using related

components so we realized that it was a natural to manufacture bulk

seed tendering equipment,” said Tim Tenhet, Director of Marketing,

KBH Corporation. “Farmers and fertilizer, seed and chemical

dealers were already our market, and this served to further diversify

our product line.”

SOME HISTORYKBH started out in 1951 selling anhydrous ammonia applicators.

At that time, it was owned by Buddy’s grandfather, B. Bass, and

two other businessmen, Doc Kirby and Duff Holcomb. A year or

two later, Kirby and Holcomb sold out of the business and Bass

took control.

In the 1960s, Bass’s son Hamp, a Delta row crop farmer, began

working at KBH, and the company started manufacturing cotton

trailers. By the early 1970s, Hamp was running the company and

was manufacturing the Roundup Wick Bar, a friction applicator to

rid fields of Johnson grass.

During those years of serving the cotton industry with

increasingly innovative equipment, KBH expanded its market to

serve farmers across the nation. In the mid-1980s, the company

began manufacturing liquid fertilizer application equipment, and

in the late 80s, KBH added a module builder and cotton cart to its

product line.

“By the mid-90s, we were adding equipment lines and searching

for niche markets, and cotton acreage was booming in the Mid

South,” Buddy said. “Our company was hitting one of the many

peaks it has experienced through the years when modifications to

cotton pickers caused us to stop and think hard about what we

were doing.”

“We always assumed that the new module devices on cotton

pickers would result in the decline of our cotton equipment

business,” Tim said. “But one of the keys to our long- term success

has been flexibility and adaptability, and our new Hopper Bottom

Grain Trailer is a great example of this. Future changes in the

U. S. ag industry are certain, and we must see these challenges

as opportunities.”

DIVERSIFICATION IS KEY“The perfect farm is the one that’s diversified,” Buddy said.

“Whereas, 15 years ago, the perfect Delta farm would have been

100 percent cotton, today that perfect farm is split equally between

corn, cotton and soybeans.

“That’s the way we are at KBH Corporation. We’re as diversified

as we’ve ever been,” he said. “We’re set up for just about anything

as long as farmers are farming. That sounds easy, but it is not

a given.”

By Glynda Phillips

DDiversity is Key for KBH

From left, Buddy Bass, President, Lonnie Williams, Distribution Manager, and Tim Tenhet,

Director of Marketing, KBH Corporation of Clarksdale

By Glynda Phillips


eteran farmer John Abney of Rolling

Fork never thought he’d one day

consider getting out of the farm-raised

catfish business. But in recent years,

that seems to be exactly where he’s

headed. A couple of years ago, Abney

began draining his ponds– not because

he doesn’t enjoy raising catfish and not

because he doesn’t take great pride in

the industry. He simply can’t make a

living growing catfish anymore.

“Back in the late 1970s, we were

receiving around 55 to 65 cents a

pound for our fish, and that was a

good price,” Abney said. “Now, we are

getting 80 cents a pound, and that

won’t cover our cost of growing

them anymore.

“The cost of feed, fuel, utilities and

all other inputs keeps going up,” he

explained. “Before, we could manage

the higher input costs. Now, we can’t

recoup what we’ve put into our fish

because of these higher costs and

because of competition from cheaper

fish. We invest a lot of time and effort

into this process, and we still can’t

make any money. It’s reached the point

where it’s just not satisfying anymore.”

At the industry’s peak in 2001,

Mississippi boasted about 116,000

water acres of catfish ponds, primarily

in Humphreys and Sunflower counties.

Now, that number has fallen to about

70,000 water acres.

SUPER EFFICIENTAbney says Carter Brothers Farms

grows about 6400 acres of row crops

and, at present, about 360 water acres

of farm-raised catfish each year.

“At our largest, we had 820 water

acres of fish,” Abney said, standing on

the levy of one of his drained ponds.

“Now, we have drained about 56

percent of what we once farmed.

“We’re trying to decide what we will

do with the empty ponds. We keep

going back and forth between row

crops and the Conservation Reserve

V

Program,” he said. “We’ve planted soybeans on some of the land

that was former catfish ponds, and the beans have done really well.

It is very fertile land. But we may decide to convert some of the

drained ponds to CRP, also.”

In the 1990s, the U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish Industry experienced

dramatic growth. But by the early 2000s, overproduction, coupled

with competition from cheaper fish like tilapia and imported

catfish-like fish such as basa, ushered in a time of downturn and

change. Higher input costs and a recessive economy in more recent

years have also hurt the industry.

Abney says that Carter Brothers Farms has been able to survive

these changes by being diversified and by becoming super efficient.

“I’ve cut the stocking rate (number of catfish per acre) in our

ponds down real low so that I haven’t needed to buy fingerlings for

three years,” he said. “I haven’t purchased any equipment because

of the surplus from the drained ponds, and we haven’t spent a lot of

money keeping up the levy roads.

“I believe that all of the farmers who are still in the business are

super efficient managers. Their desire is to stay in the fish business

as long as they can,” he added.

THE FUTUREIf Carter Brothers Farms drains all of its catfish ponds, Abney

will farm row crops. Row crop production is managed by his

brother-in-law, Clark Carter, and his cousin, Gip Carter. His

father-in-law, Jimmy Dick Carter, and Jimmy Dick’s brother,

Lawrence, founded Carter Brothers Farms in the early 1940s.

They are semi-retired now and not active in the day-to-day

decision-making process.

“I hope we can hang onto what’s left of our ponds,” Abney said.

“We have enough fish to stock the remaining ponds for one

more year, and I have a very good work force.

“I truly believe that there will always be a market for farm-raised

catfish,” he added. “It’s a delicious, healthy product that is grown

in clean freshwater ponds and fed a high-quality protein feed. I

hope there will always be farmers growing farm-raised catfish

because I believe there will always be people wanting to buy it.”

According to experts at the Thad Cochran National Warmwater

Aquaculture Center in Stoneville, our nation’s growing population

plus the growing demand for healthy food and the depletion of fish

from the sea, have people looking to farm-raised fish to fill that need.

“The farm-raised catfish industry is still by far the largest

aquaculture industry in the U.S. – twice as big as trout,” said Dr.

Craig Tucker, Director of the Thad Cochran National Warmwater

Aquaculture Center. “Farm-raised catfish is important to the

agricultural industry across the Southeast and ranks fifth in

Mississippi in importance.

“The industry has experienced a significant downturn, but it is

still a very important part of the economy,” he said. “Because of

the processing facilities still in operation and because the industry

needs seining equipment and fingerlings, farm-raised catfish is still

an important part of the employment picture.”

“We don’t know what the future holds for our farm-raised catfish

industry, but in the short-term, I think we will continue to see

reductions in acreage and fewer farms devoted solely to catfish

production,” said Dr. Jimmy Avery, Extension Aquaculture Leader,

Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center. “It’s just an

economic reality that those farmers who want to continue to grow

catfish will need to diversify. For example, some farmers are

growing row crops along with their catfish ponds and some are

leasing their ponds for duck and dove hunting.

“As water acreage declines, the amount of catfish available to

processors will become tight and prices will rise,” he said. “If the

American consumer wants to continue to have access to this

product, he or she will pay a higher price for it at the retail level.

“On the positive side, I think we have some opportunities, if we

can reduce the pressure from cheap imports and receive true market

value for our fish.”

A GOOD LIFE Abney appreciates the help the U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish

Industry receives from experts at Stoneville, the Catfish Institute,

the Catfish Farmers of Mississippi, the Catfish Farmers of America

and the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation. Furthermore, he

believes that the Country of Origin Labeling law – and getting

the law enforced into all areas of sales, from the wholesale to the

retail level – should help to educate consumers about where the fish

they are purchasing was grown.

“I enjoy growing catfish and contributing a healthy product

to the marketplace,” Abney said. “I hope that things turn around for

the industry, but whatever might happen, this has been a very

satisfying life.”


FC

CHALLENGING TIMES FOR

CATFISH

By Glynda Phillips


Billy Ray Brown became a dairyman this summer. At

a time when our nation is losing its dairies, Billy Ray

has settled in for the long haul. He says he can make

money dairying or else he’d be doing something else

with his time and money. So what’s his secret?

Billy Ray isn’t a commercial dairyman with hundreds

of cows that produce thousands of gallons of milk each

year marketed either independently or through a large

dairy cooperative. No, Billy Ray owns only six Jersey

cows that produce a total of 30 gallons of milk a day

that’s marketed primarily through area farmers markets.

“We target farmers markets and sell off our

farm,” he said. “In doing so, we cut out the processor

and the grocery store. We control our market and

get a good price for our product. Plus, we are

reminiscent of the good old days, and that appeals to

today’s consumers.”

The Oxford beef cattle and hay farmer, who also owns

a small fence company, milks his cows twice a day

then pasteurizes and bottles the milk in ½-gallon and

1-gallon glass containers. He sells his products through

local farmers markets, to mom and pop grocery stores,

and out of a cooler on his farm. He also sells to three

area restaurants.

“I got the idea for this from noticing the number of

supermarkets that are selling organic milk,” he said.

“The dairy manager at one of the larger stores said he’d

never seen a niche market grow like the organic milk

market has grown in recent years.

“I was also hearing that local farmers markets

were clamoring for farm fresh milk,” he added. “My

milk is not organic, but it is pasteurized and sold right

off the farm. I thought that was one niche market I

could fill.” (Cont’d on page 16)

Billy Ray serves on the Lafayette County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. He is the son of critically-acclaimed

Mississippi writer, the late Larry Brown, who wrote a book of essays dedicated to him entitled “Billy Ray’s Farm.”

“We are amazed at how many of our customers want to form relationships

with us. They want to know the people who grow their food,” he said

A Niche Market

GETTING STARTEDIn getting started, Billy Ray did his homework and worked closely

with experts at Mississippi State University. He also bought his

Jersey cows from veteran dairyman Bradley Taylor of Prentiss

County, who has been featured in a past issue of our magazine.

Billy Ray says it took him a year and a half to build his dairy and

processing facility because he worked on it a little at a time, as he

was able to save up money.

“I looked at a bunch of older dairies built in the 60s and started

out with a flat barn,” he said. “But then I found a double-four

herringbone parlor in Pontotoc County and was able to fit one side

of it inside the flat barn.

“I bought a used 300-gallon milk tank in Union County, and I

bought a brand new pasteurizer,” he said. “I hired a company in

Canada to design the glass milk bottles. We sanitize the bottles and

use them over and over. Our customers swap out bottles and pay for

just the milk. Or if they forget to return their bottles, they pay for

new bottles in addition to the milk.”

FAMILY FARMThe Brown dairy is a true family farming operation. Billy Ray’s

wife Paula and his mother Mary Annie take turns milking if Billy

Ray has business elsewhere. His mother and mother-in-law, Martha

Klepzig, sell milk at the Oxford Farmers Market, while Billy Ray,

his wife and three kids, Molly, 7, Sarah, 5, and Harris, 2, sell at a

farmers market in Taylor.

“We are amazed at how many of our customers want to form

relationships with us. They want to know the people who grow their

food,” he said. “I’ve invited several of them to visit our farm, and

people come out almost daily with their kids. They want their

children to know where their milk comes from, and I want people to

see that my dairy is very clean and efficient.

“We have customers who want us to start a delivery route, and we

might do that sometime in the future,” he added. “But right now,

we’re still growing and figuring out what we want to do next.

“I love farming,” he concluded. “Filling this niche market is very

satisfying and helps me diversify my operation.” FC

Brown Family Dairy


Billy Ray and Paula Brown are shown in front of their

dairy barn and processing facility with their children

Molly, 7, Sarah, 5 and Harris, 2


Mississippi’s dairy numbers continue to decline. Over the past

decade, several hundred dairies have closed, and more dairy

producers are expected to exit the industry in the near future as profit

margins continue to erode. Down from approximately 350 dairies in

1999, the state can now only claim about 149 Grade A dairy farms, as

recorded in December 2008. Mississippi State University Extension

Dairy Specialist Lamar Adams says this downturn is reflected not

only here in Mississippi but throughout the Southeast and across the

nation as a whole. It is due, he says, to pure economics.

“Milk prices have fluctuated wildly in the last 20 years,” he said.

“They tend to fall much more quickly than they rise, and it’s hard to

plan for the future. In 2007-2008, we had record high milk prices

but also record high input costs. Dairy farmers enjoyed the high

prices, but milk was more costly to produce so producers didn’t have

much net gain.”

The recession has also hurt.

“There’s not as much demand for milk products, and the bottom

has fallen out of milk prices,” Adams said.

Hurricane Katrina dealt a

devastating blow to dairy

producers in our state’s southern

counties in 2005. Many dairies

immediately shut down, while

others sustained serious damage.

An aging population of

dairymen has only complicated

matters here in Mississippi.

“Among the 140 or so dairy

producers operating in Mississippi today, the average age is

probably in the late 50s to mid-60s,” Lamar said. “There are some

older dairy farmers but not many younger farmers.

“It is a tough financial crisis we are experiencing now and few

dairy producers have children or grandchildren who want to take

over,” he said. “Some dairy farmers who have been in the business

for 40 to 50 years say they’ve never experienced a crisis of this

magnitude before.

“Our dairy farmers are averaging a loss of $3 to $7 per cow per

day,” he said. “They can’t do that for very long without dipping into

and eventually depleting their savings. It is time to be establishing

cool season annual grasses and small grains for winter grazing, but

many dairy producers find themselves short of funds to plant. Many

farmers are short on operating capital and are having difficulty in

securing loans. If something doesn’t change in the next few months,

several more dairymen will be forced to cut their losses and sell out

of business.

“If more jobs were available, more dairy farmers would be out

today,” he added. “The availability of health insurance is a crucial

issue. Most dairy producers are members of a cooperative, which

offers health insurance to members. Many producers have legitimate

concerns about being able to secure affordable insurance coverage

if they exit the dairy business.”

As Mississippi and the Southeast lose their local milk supply,

more milk will be transported cross-country to processing facilities

in our area. This will increase the cost of milk to the consumer, and

consumers will also probably notice a loss of freshness and reduced

shelf life of milk and other dairy products.

“We need to do everything we possibly can to maintain our dairy

industry to provide consumers high-quality, locally-produced

dairy products,” Adams said. “One way of doing this is through

producers placing greater emphasis on intensively managing their

pastures and forage crops to support more cost-efficient milk

production. This type of idea is fueled by the high cost of grain.

“Mississippi dairy farmers know how to grow grass, and they

know how to manage cows to produce milk on grass,” he said. “We

may see more dairy farms being established in our state as interest

increases among investors from countries like New Zealand, where

dairy farmers effectively utilize intensively-managed pastures. In

fact, several investors have expressed genuine interest in developing

pasture-based dairy farms in Mississippi – to be operated similarly

to New Zealand grazing dairies.

“And that brings up another

issue. Several states have tax

incentives and other lucrative

benefits designed to recruit

dairy producers from other areas

to relocate there,” he said.

“Mississippi doesn’t have that

yet.”

As a result of efforts by Farm

Bureau, Dairy Farmers of America, National Milk Producers

Federation and other ag groups to seek immediate financial

assistance on the federal level for dairy farmers, USDA Secretary

Tom Vilsak announced relief in July by raising the price of milk

through the Dairy Product Price Support Program.

“Unfortunately, this might be too little too late for many producers,”

Adams said. “Dairy farmers are also discussing the possibility of

initiating a national milk supply management (milk quota) system.

“Dairy farmers have debated and discussed this issue for years

without finding much common ground upon which to build,” he

added. “If some sort of national supply management program is

established, milk marketed by a producer during a specified time

period will be established as his initial production base. He will be

paid full market price for milk produced up to his established base

level, with the pay price for milk production over his base being

significantly discounted.”

“Such a system should provide more stability in milk prices in

future years by discouraging huge herd expansion when prices return

to more profitable levels,” he said. “But trying to get this type of

system established and administered through USDA and trying to

get a consensus on this among producers throughout the nation is a

challenge. Then dairy producers and the industry have to get it

approved in Congress, and that is another major task.”

By Glynda Phillips

“We need to do everything we possiblycan to maintain our dairy industryto provide consumers high-quality,locally-produced dairy products”


ack in the good old days, farmers

markets (or fruit stands as they were

often called) were a common sight

along Mississippi’s rural highways

and country roads. Then suddenly,

they disappeared.

In recent years, the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and

Commerce (MDAC) has begun working with rural communities

and farmers to increase the number of farmers markets across our

state. MDAC believes that farmers markets benefit everyone.

“Farmers markets are a great opportunity for farmers, both

large and small, to sell at retail prices instead of wholesale,”

said Andy Prosser, Director of Public Relations and Market

Development, Mississippi Department of Agriculture and

Commerce. “This helps their bottom line because there’s no

middleman that they have to pay.

“Farmers markets also appeal to consumers because of the

public’s demand for safe and healthy food and their desire to

know where their food is grown,” he added. “People want that

connection. They want to trust the growers of their food.

“Finally, farmers markets help the economies of our rural

communities by serving as an added attraction in our cities and

small towns.”

GROWINGThe number of farmers markets in Mississippi has grown

from around 35-38 in 2002 to around 55-57 in 2009. More

Mississippi farmers have increased their operations to provide

for these markets.

“Our farmers markets sell all kinds of products, from produce

to farm-raised eggs to pastured poultry and grass-fed beef,”

Prosser said. “We are also selling value-added products like

jams and jellies, pies and cakes.

“Farmers are seeing that they can make a good profit through

a local farmers market,” he added. “Some are also doing well

with U-pick operations and by selling to restaurants.

“We have local restaurants come down to the Mississippi

Farmers Market in Jackson and fill orders with our farmers

there,” he said, “They know that their customers are willing to

pay more for products grown locally by people they trust.”

BPhoto courtesy of MSU Ag Communications

WORKSHOPSThree years ago, MDAC, in cooperation with the

Mississippi State University Extension Service, began

conducting grower workshops across the state. These

workshops specifically address fruit and vegetable

production (including crops for different growing

seasons, including fall crops); selling to farmers

markets; and marketing and public relations.

“Thus far, we’ve held 15 workshops with

approximately 800 attendees,” Prosser said. “There

is a demand for this. Farmers see that they can

make a good profit if they know how to market

themselves.

“Because of these workshops, we are seeing growers

extend the growing seasons for various crops, and we

are seeing them try different crops and varieties,” he

added. “They are also using marketing techniques

they’ve never used before.”

MISSISSIPPI INITIATIVEMDAC is in the second year of offering a Certified

Farmers Market Program. This marketing initiative

recognizes Mississippi farmers markets that have at least

two Mississippi growers or more and sell at least 50

percent Mississippi-grown or made products.

This year, 17 farmers markets were certified through

the program. Certified markets are eligible to receive

funds for marketing and promotion that they can spend

at their discretion. They are also recognized in the

Mississippi Market Bulletin newspaper.

“We inspect every farmers market to certify that they

meet the requirements of the Certified Farmers Market

Program, and we stay in contact with their market

managers on a regular basis,” Prosser said.

For more information about Mississippi farmers

markets, contact Prosser at 601.359.1158 or

[email protected]

By Glynda Phillips

FC

Photos of Hitching Lot Farmers Market, Columbus, courtesy of Columbus Main Street & MDAC.

dwin Harris has a plan. Alternative agricultural crops, like shiitake mushrooms, organic

vegetables and Boer goats, will provide him with an additional source of retirement

income both now and in the years to come.

The 72-year-old former New Orleans resident, who lives and farms on family land east of Lorman, has been growing shiitake

mushrooms for three years. He successfully markets the mushrooms to restaurants in New Orleans, Natchez and Port Gibson,

and he also sells through a farmers market in New Orleans.

“I met a guy 20 years ago in Florida who was making a good living growing button mushrooms,” Edwin said. “I kept that idea

in the back of my mind until my circumstances allowed me to grow mushrooms on my own farm.”

MUSHROOM PRODUCTIONEdwin has been assisted in his alternative agricultural pursuits by Alcorn State University’s (ASU) Small Farms Development

Center.

“Ricky Johnson and Joe Buzhardt (retired ASU Specialty Mushroom Program Director) have helped me a lot with this,” he

said. “I started using blocks of wood to grow my mushrooms after Joe came out and visited my farm. He saw that I was trying

to grow them the hard way…on logs. Joe introduced me to experts at Alcorn State University, and I began to get better

information and support.”

Edwin soon joined the Mississippi Natural Products cooperative, a group of professional, dedicated shiitake mushroom

farmers with a central facility for processing and distribution in New Hebron. From the co-op, he obtains sterilized substrate

blocks of hardwood sawdust enriched with nutrients and inoculated with shiitake mushroom spawn.

Mississippi Natural Products was formed seven years ago and now has 19 members. Grower members sell their mushrooms

back to the co-op or through farmers markets and restaurants where they have cultivated their own markets. You will find

Mississippi Natural Products mushrooms in some larger supermarkets and numerous high-end restaurants.

“I water and care for the wood, and when the mushrooms are the right size, I pick them, bag them, and they are ready to eat,”

he said. “You don’t need to wash them or anything. It is a very clean process.”

Edwin is at his lowest level of production right now because he’s been helping to care for his brother, who is terminally ill.


Growing Alternative Crops

By Glynda PhillipsE

But he’s in the process of constructing two buildings that will be

devoted exclusively to growing mushrooms. He plans to eventually

grow 1,000 blocks of shiitake mushrooms a year. He says you can get

six to seven crops out of each block of wood, and he will use the wood

until everything is grown out of them. That translates into quite a few

pounds of mushrooms.

“The market is there,” he said with confidence.

OTHER CROPSEdwin is also in the process of learning how to grow Boer goats and

organic vegetables.

“I’ve had a number of siblings die from heart disease so I am

dedicated to healthy food and healthy eating,” he said.

Through ASU, meat goat farmers in South Mississippi have formed

a cooperative called Southwest Mississippi Meat Goat Producers.

Edwin has networked with cooperative members and plans to provide

Boer goats for processing.

He is also attempting to learn how to grow organic vegetables. He

had a good crop this past year, but experienced problems with deer

eating his plants. He’s learning how to keep the deer out of his garden

and is looking forward to growing 3 ½ acres of organic vegetables in

the coming year.

“It looks like my retirement plan is going to work,” he said with

a smile.

MORE INFORMATIONFor more information about growing shiitake mushrooms, organic

vegetables and Boer goats, contact the Alcorn State University Small

Farms Development Center at 601.877.6449 or write them at Alcorn State

University, 1000 ASU Drive #1080, Alcorn State, Mississippi 39096.

For more information about the Mississippi Natural Products

cooperative, a participant in the “Make Mine Mississippi” program,

visit their Web site at www.NaturalMushrooms.com. You may also call

them at 601.694.2893 or email them at [email protected].

FC


Which Copiah County town is known for the

popular Tomato Festival held there each June?

Read the clues and make your guess.

Agriculture played an important role in the

development of this town. Farmers grew cotton

then switched to produce in the 19th century. In

1879, the first load of tomatoes was shipped out

by rail, and the town eventually became known as

the Tomatopolis or Tomato Capital of the World.

Cabbage was also grown and shipped in large

quantity.

Name this town. Here are more clues.

SOME HISTORYThis town was founded in 1820 by Rev. Elisha

Lott, an itinerant Methodist minister. Rev. Lott

gave the town its name after discovering cool,

crystal-clear springs in the area.

The railroad came through in 1858, and the town

began to prosper. Because it is the highest point

between Memphis and New Orleans, this town

became an important train stop. Lake Chautauqua

was built by the railroad as a source of water to fuel

steam engines.

In the late 1800s, this town became a premier

location for shipping out vegetables. Around the

turn of the 20th century, along the railroad tracks,

you could see packing sheds for tomatoes, cabbage

and other vegetables. After World War II, the truck-

ing industry grew and produce farming declined.

This caused an abrupt drop in produce shipping.

Most of the sheds are gone now, but one former

shed remains and is home to Kitchens Law Firm.

NAME THIS TOWNToday, this town boasts some 5,000 residents

and many busy downtown shops. It is a popular

bedroom community to Jackson, and several local

industries provide employment opportunities.

Some of the industries include Kuhlman Electric,

which makes transformers that are shipped all over

the nation; Georgia Gulf in Gallman, which makes

plastic pellets that are also shipped around the

nation; and Sanderson Farms in Hazlehurst, which

boasts a large hatchery and processing facility.

The Mississippi State University Truck Crops

Experiment Station is located in this town.

This town has access to great fishing, hunting

and other outdoor recreational opportunities. It is

also the home of historic Chautauqua Park, a

74-acre site with wooded rolling hills, flowing

springs and a 35-acre lake.

Chautauqua Park was established in 1872 as a

SOLVE THE MYSTERY

Methodist religious retreat. In 1892, a Chautauqua Assembly was

incorporated, and the grounds were renamed Chautauqua Park.

Chautauqua is an Indian word that means “a boy leading the blind.”

The Chautauqua Assembly remained active until 1917. During

those years, noteworthy scholars, evangelists and actors of the

period visited our mystery town. In 1909, delegates from five cities

convened at the site of the park’s present amphitheater to form the first

Mississippi Conference of Parents and Teachers Association (PTA).

In addition to a lake, Chautauqua Park boasts a Treetop Trail that

takes hikers through an arboretum. It also has an Oriental Garden, a

Memorial Garden, and the Tomato Museum.

The Tomato Museum was established so that the history of

the area would not be lost. On display are antique farm equipment

and other items that have been handed down from generation to

generation. The museum also exhibits photos and other historical

memorabilia related to our mystery town and its history, the park,

area agriculture and the railroad.

Each year, people from all over the world visit Chautauqua

Park and our mystery town. Name this town.

CORRECT GUESSESMail guesses to Solve the Mystery, Mississippi Farm

Country, P. O. Box 1972, Jackson, MS 39215. You may also

e-mail your guesses to [email protected].

Please remember to include your name and address on the entry.

Visit our Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Web site at

www.msfb.com.

When all correct guesses have been received, we will randomly

draw 20 names. These 20 names will receive a prize and will be

placed in the hat twice.

At the end of the year, a winner will be drawn from all correct

submissions. The winner will receive a Weekend Bed and Breakfast

Trip, courtesy of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation.

Families may submit only one entry. Federation staff members

and their families are ineligible to participate in this contest.

The deadline for submitting your entry is November 30.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBERThe correct answer for the September/October solve the Mystery

is Woodville.

Left page: Classes are still held in the historic high school

building. Tomato artifacts are on display at the Tomato

Museum. Below, Wisteria Inn Bed and Breakfast.



BOARD TOURS CENTRAL MS RESEARCH AND EXTENSION CENTERThe Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors and their spouses toured the facilities of the Central Mississippi Research and

Extension Center (CMREC) as part of their August board meeting. CMREC, located in Raymond, provides oversight to a staff of state

specialists from the Mississippi State University Extension Service and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES).

Tour participants visited the Brown Loam Branch Experiment Station in Raymond, which specializes in improving beef and forage

systems and also studies cotton, soybean, corn, wheat, oats and conservation management, and the Truck Crops Branch Experiment

Station in Crystal Springs, which serves an urban-rural area with research on both commercial and home garden fruit and vegetable crops.

The Coastal Plain Branch Experiment Station near Newton, also a part of CMREC, performs forage variety tests and small-game production

studies. CMREC serves these counties: Adams, Amite, Claiborne, Copiah, Franklin, Hinds, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lincoln, Leake,

Madison, Pike, Rankin, Scott, Simpson, Smith, Walthall, Warren, Wilkinson and Yazoo.

A special thanks to Dr. Dwayne Wheeler, head of CMREC, to his staff, and to MAFES Associate Director Dr. Reuben Moore.

HHeerrbb--SSeeaassoonneedd RRiibb RRooaasstt wwiitthhRReedd WWiinnee PPaann SSaauuccee

SSeeaassoonniinngg::2 T. steak seasoning blend2 t. dried oregano leaves2 t. dried thyme leaves

RReedd WWiinnee PPaann SSaauuccee::1⁄2 cup finely chopped red onion3⁄4 cup dry red wine1 can (13-3/4 to 14-1/2 ounces) ready-to-serve beef broth

2 T. unsalted butter, softened2 T. all-purpose flour

IInnssttrruuccttiioonn::1. Heat oven to 350°F. Combine seasoning ingredients; press evenly

onto all surfaces of beef roast.2. Place roast, fat side up, in shallow roasting pan. Insert ovenproof

meat thermometer so tip is centered in thickest part of beef, not resting in fat or touching bone. Do not add water or cover. Roast in 350°F oven 1-3/4 to 2-1/4 hours for medium rare; 2-1/4 to 2-3/4 hours for medium doneness.

3. Remove roast when meat thermometer registers 135°F for medium rare; 150°F for medium. Transfer roast to carving board; tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let stand 15 to 20 minutes. (Temperature will coninue to rise about 10°F to reach 145°F for medium rare; 160°F for medium.)

4. Meanwhile prepare Red Wine Pan Sauce. Skim fat from pan drippings, reserving 1 tablespoon. Heat reserved 1 tablespoon fat in 3-quart saucepan over medium heat until hot. Add onion; cook and stir 1 to 2 minutes or until tender. Meanwhile place roasting pan over medium heat; add wine. Cook and stir 1 to 2 minutes or until browned bits attached to pan are dissolved. Add wine mixture and broth to onion in saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook 12 to 13 minutes or until reduced by about 1/3 (about 1-1/3 cups). Reduce heat to low. Combine butter and flour in small bowl until smooth. Whisk into wine sauce; cook and stir 1 minute or until sauce is thickened.

5. Carve roast into slices; season with salt, as desired. Serve with wine sauce.

Total recipe time: 2-1/4 to 3-1/4 hours - Makes 6 to 8 servings

For more recipes go to: www.BeefitsWhatsForDinner.comFor more recipes go to: www.BeefitsWhatsForDinner.com

EEnnjjooyy AA HHoolliiddaayy CCllaassssiicc

Mississippi Beef Council(601) 353-4520Brought to you by

Mississippi beef producers through The BeefCheckoff


COUNSELOR’S CORNER

RIGHTS AND FREEDOMSam E. Scott, MFBF General Counsel

In the present, emotionally-charged

debates over expanded or universal

healthcare, there is the controversial

question of whether Americans have a

right to healthcare. This is, of course, an

entirely different question from the

affordability of such expanded coverage or

whether the government is capable of

administering such a program or even

should attempt to do so.

Whether there is a right of citizens to

adequate (which one assumes means

competent and affordable) medical care, yet

there seems to be little disagreement that

healthcare has become unaffordable nor

much about whether it is competent as

compared to countries such as Great Britain

or Canada, which have what is called

socialized medicine. Quality is not a big

issue, but the cost of it is.

The question of whether there is a right

to healthcare is seemingly a moral and,

perhaps, a legal question, rather than

an economic issue. That this is a free

country is a bedrock principle of American

life. Even before our government was

established, the Declaration of Independ-

ence, the core document of our democratic

government, declared:

We hold these truths to be self

evident, that all men are created

equal, that they are endowed

by their Creator with certain

unalienable rights, that among

these are life, liberty and the

pursuit of happiness.

It is significant that happiness was not

deemed an unalienable right, only the

pursuit of happiness – the opportunity to

seek it. By June 21, 1789, the required

nine of 13 states had ratified the new

Constitution, but not without controversy

and not until the first 10 amendments,

known as the Bill of Rights, were enacted in

1791 did all states ratify it.

These amendments spelled out basic

rights, including religion, speech, the

press, to assemble, bear arms, be safe from

unreasonable searches and seizures, not

be deprived of life or liberty without due

process of law, nor have property confiscated

without just compensation, to a speedy trial

by jury in criminal matters and confronting

witnesses, and many more so well known

but still subject of much litigation.

It is interesting to note that all of these

fundamental rights are free and available

to all American citizens except some

convicted felons. They were expanded by

later constitutional amendments adopted

after the Civil War and in the early 20th

century. Interestingly, none of these rights

had to be purchased or were even available

for purchase.

Often mentioned in the ongoing furor

are Medicare, Medicaid and even Social

Security. I am familiar with the first and last,

and like others, I became eligible after

decades of deductions from paychecks.

Medicaid is different. It is a government

healthcare subsidy for people who qualify

by being relatively poor, and is perhaps

comparable to welfare, rent subsidies and

food stamps, which help supply food and

shelter but are generally considered to be a

form of charity, not entitlement, the same as

not being turned away from a hospital

emergency room regardless of ability to

pay. Healthcare as an entitlement is a

recent issue.

If there is a right to healthcare, is it

“unalienable,” is it free and should we

compel healthcare givers to provide it to

everyone? Government does set the rate of

payment for Medicare and Medicaid, but

healthcare providers are free to refuse to

treat patients who pay for their care with

these programs.

Should government force insurers to

cover people they deem uninsurable? If so,

do they pass that cost on to their other

insureds? Are healthcare providers free

to determine what they charge for their

services as do providers of shelter, food

and gasoline?

No matter how one feels about whether

this is a right or a privilege, the reality is that

healthcare costs are not affordable to most

citizens without some kind of insurance or

subsidy, and unless significant changes are

made, that will only get worse than the

present 17% of our economy it costs.

It seems wrong for medical care to

consume a life savings, but on the other

hand, who would turn away a sick child

whose parents cannot pay? Also, is it fair to

charge a person who does not have health

insurance more for the same services than

someone who does have it?

There is no quick or easy solution.

Politics and emotion make answers more

elusive and are natural enemies of logic,

which seems to be on holiday.

Sam E. Scott is general counsel for Mississippi

Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) and practices

law in the law firm of Samuel E. Scott, PLLC, in

Jackson. The foregoing information is general in

nature and is not intended as nor should be

considered specific legal advice, nor to be

considered as MFBF’s position or opinion.

We hold these truths to beself evident, that all men arecreated equal, that they areendowed by their Creator withcertain unalienable rights, thatamong these are life, libertyand the pursuit of happiness.

Call toll-free 1-800-362-FARMContact your state office or visit www.countryconnect.us for more information

© 2008 Countryconnect ® All Rights Reserved. Powered by IBFA, a subsidiary of Telava Networks, Inc.

MAKETHE CONNECTION

Mail to: Countryconnect 1850 Howard Street, Suite C Elk Grove Village, IL 60007

1-800-362-FARM

Letter of AgencyI choose Countryconnect, powered by IBFA, as my primary long-distance provider for the service(s) and telephone number(s) indicated below and I authorize Countryconnect to act as my agent by notifying my local telephone company of this choice. I am legally responsible for the payment of charges incurred on the telephone number(s) listed below and that I have the authority to change the prescribed 1+ long-distance carrier providing service to these numbers. Further, I recognize that I can have only one primary long-distance company for a given telephone number, that I will no longer be pre-subscribed to my current long-distance carrier’s service(s) and that my local telephone company may impose a charge for this and any later change. I understand that my long-distance service will be billed directly by and payable to Countryconnect. There will be a $1.50 monthly access fee on the bill. I understand that my signature on this form means the following services will be provided to me by Countryconnect: IntraLATA (in-state) and InterLATA (state-to-state).

Signature:Print Name:

City/State/Zip:

Date:

Telephone #(s): ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )

Street Address:

Mailing Address (if di�erent from above):

Yes, please sign me up for (#) Countryconnect Calling Cards

start saving TODAY!

Long-distance state-to-state rates are only 4.9¢ per minuteLocal in-state calls are only 6.9¢ per minute

Calling Cards are only 8.9¢ a minute state-to-stateMonthly Fee is only $1.50Incremental Billing at 6 secondsFill out the form below and

(Save even more wth the EZDIAL plan-4.9¢ per minute)

Make The Connection

Yes, please sign me up!

MS0806#001


2009 MFBF ANNUAL MEETING U.S. Senator Thad Cochran will address

the opening General Session of the 88th

Annual Meeting of the Mississippi Farm Bu-

reau Federation to be held Dec. 5-7 at

the Hilton Hotel in Jackson. Dr. Samuel

Marshall Gore, a noted Mississippi artist

and adjunct professor of art at Mississippi

College, will conduct the Sunday morning

worship service.

Other highlights this year include the

Farm Bureau General Store and Young

Farmers and Ranchers Silent and Live auc-

tions; State Talent and Miss Farm Bureau-

Mississippi contests; Safety, Environmental

and Farm Bureau Issues conferences;

Young Farmers and Ranchers State Discus-

sion Meet and State Achievement Award

activities; and the Women’s Recognition

Breakfast and Business Session.

Annual meeting activities will close

Monday with the Business Session, where

policy will be determined for the coming

year and elections will be held for directors

from odd-numbered districts.

Here is how the schedule looks at

presstime:

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5Registration - 8 a.m.-5 p.m.YF&R Silent Auction - 7 a.m.-9 p.m.Farm Bureau General Store - 7 a.m.- 9 p.m.9 a.m. - Talent & Mississippi Farm Bureau-

MississippiBarbie Bassett, MC

2 p.m.-2:30 p.m. - General SessionSenator Thad Cochran

3:30-4:30 p.m. - Safety Conference - Defensive Driving

4:30-5:30 p.m. - Invasive Species (Feral Hogs) Conference

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6Registration - 8 a.m.-5 p.m.YF&R Silent Auction - 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.Farm Bureau General Store - 9:30 a.m.- 9 p.m.7 a.m. - Women’s Recognition Breakfast

9:30 a.m. - Women’s Business Session10:45 a.m. -Worship Service, Dr. Sam Gore2 p.m. - County Recognition Program4 p.m. - Farm Bureau Issues Conference6:30 p.m. - General Session

YF&R Discussion Meet FinalsYF&R Achievement Award Program

MONDAY, DECEMBER 78 a.m. - Business Session

Election of Directors-Districts 1, 3, 5,7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19Election of State Women’s Chair & Vice ChairElection of Regional Women’s Chairs, Regions 2, 4, 6, 8Announcement of Voting Delegates to AFBF Annual MeetingAnnouncement of Women’s Voting Delegates to AFBF Annual Meeting

Recognition of Outgoing Directors

Installation of 2010 Board of Directors


RECIPESCATFISH BREAD1 loaf French bread

4-5 catfish fillets

½ c. margarine, melted

½ c. mayonnaise

6 green onions, chopped

1 (4-oz.) can chopped black olives

½ tsp. garlic powder

1 c. mozzarella cheese, grated

1 c. cheddar cheese, grated

Season fish with liquid smoke, salt, pepper, soy sauce and Creole

seasoning and broil until fish flakes. Mix all other ingredients in a

bowl and stir in chopped fish. Cut French bread lengthwise and

spread the fish mixture over bread. Put on a cookie sheet and cover

with a foil tent. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Slice in strips

and serve.

Wanda Hill

Humphreys County

SPINACH MADELEINE2 (10-oz) pkgs. frozen chopped spinach

4 T. margarine

2 T chopped onion

2 T. flour

½ c. evaporated milk

½ c. liquid from spinach

6 oz. jalapeno cheese

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1/4 tsp. black pepper

¾ tsp. garlic salt

¾ tsp. celery salt

Dash of red pepper

½ tube Ritz crackers, crushed

1 T. margarine, melted

Cook spinach according to package directions. Drain and reserve

cooking liquid. Melt margarine over low heat. Add onions to

margarine and sauté until soft. Stir in flour. Cook until smooth and

thick. Add liquids slowly, stirring to avoid lumps. Add cut-up cheese

and seasonings, stirring until cheese melts. Fold in spinach. Place in

casserole dish and sprinkle topping with Ritz crackers mixed

with melted margarine. Heat at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or

until bubbly.

Pauline McMahan

Forrest County

IRON SKILLET CHOCOLATE PIE2 c. sugar

4 T. cocoa

½ c. flour

4 egg yolks

2 c. milk

1 stick butter, softened

1 T vanilla

Mix sugar, cocoa and flour. Add milk, beaten eggs and butter. Cook

in iron skillet on top of stove until thick. Stir non-stop. Remove from

heat once thick and stir in vanilla. Pour into baked pie shell and add

meringue if desired.

Melanie Wood

Itawamba County

these recipes were taken

from “country cooking,

Volume iV,” which is

available at most county

Farm bureau offices. the

cost is $15. if you order

from the state office, it will

cost you $15 plus postage.

For more information,

contact Women’s Program

coordinator clara bilbo at

1.800.227.8244, ext. 4245.

FLEET VEHICLES FOR SALEIf you are interested in a used federation vehicle,

please visit our Web site at www.msfb.com for moreinformation. Click on the About Us link, then click theFleet Vehicles for Sale on the drop down menu orcontact Merlene Partridge at 1.800.227.8244, ext. 4233. These vehicles are late model, usually one - two years old. NADA retail, wholesale, and loan values are used to calculate price.

PRINT PRODUCTION TURNOVER

NEXT STEP: _______ READER COPYPROOF COMPOSITE PROOF OTHER DUE BACK TO AGENCY: DATE ___________ TIME ____________ PRINT PRODUCER INITIALS _______

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

STEP # CP2 DOCUMENT NAME: 133009_DRP_PG_YFRCOMP.INDD WORK_ORDER_#: NONE

M91777 CLIENT: IEV LIVE: 7 in x 10 in AD: McQuillan 3445 PROOFREADING SIGNOFFPRODUCT: DOD TRIM: 7.875 in x 10.5 in AB: None

INITIALS: ______ DATE: _________

CHANGES:DATE: 8/18/09 10:14 AM TITLE: 2009 YFR Farm Bureau BLEED: 9.375 in x 11.25 in AC: Miller 4517

GA: dd SPECS: 4/C Magazine BROPHY #: 133009 PP: HATTLEY 3668

ISSUE QUESTIONED BY RESPONSIBILITY RESOLVED?ISSUE QUESTIONED BY RESPONSIBILITY RESOLVED?

Path: ...oy-Production:Volumes:Troy-Production:2009_Advertising_Projects:Dodge:FarmBureau_2009:M90000:M91777_DRP_2009_YFR:Assembly%0:133009_DRP_PG_YFRComp.indd

USE YOUR BRAIN. GET THE BRAWN.

Farm Bureau is a federally registered collective membership and a registered service mark of the American Farm Bureau Federation. Dodge is a registered trademark of Chrysler Group LLC.

Most accolades come in the form of flimsy ribbons or cheap pieces of plastic. The American Farm Bureau Federation® Young Farmer & Rancher competitions give you the chance to win a legendary Dodge truck. Show off your agricultural know-how at the National Convention in Seattle, WA, January 10–13, 2010, and you could win a brand new 2010 Dodge Ram. The contest is open to all Young Farmer & Rancher members, so contact your local Farm Bureau for all entry details. For more information about Dodge Ram trucks, visit dodge.com or call 800-4ADODGE.

FARM BUREAUEVENTS


Members of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and

Ranchers State Committee spent the weekend touring Mississippi State

University research activities at the Coastal Research and Extension

Center in Biloxi. Part of the tour included a visit to Rocky Creek Nursery.

The 2009 Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Youth Safety

Seminar was held in July at Timber Creek Camp in Scott County.

Approximately 47 students from across the state participated in

training sessions that included CPR, Electrical Safety, ATV Safety,

Fatal Vision and Tractor Safety. Students also enjoyed the Ropes

Challenge Course and other fun activities. Make plans now for

next year’s seminar to be held June 14-17.

Soybean grading clinics were held this summer in four locations

across the state. The clinics provided hands-on training and

education about the grading process for Mississippi soybeans

and were sponsored by the Mississippi Soybean Promotion

Board, Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce,

Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, Delta Council,

Mississippi Soybean Association and Mississippi State

University Extension Service.

Jan Holley of Itawamba County participated in the 2009 Farm Bureau Women’s

Communications Boot Camp held in Washington, D.C. this summer. Women took

part in media training exercises and a mock testimony before lawmakers. They

also learned how to master the preparation and presentation of public speaking.

She is pictured with MFBF President David Waide and MFBF State Women’s

Committee Chair Dott Arthur.


2009-2010 Young Farmers & Ranchers Foundation Recipients

2009-2010 Berta Lee White Scholarship Recipients

Christopher Baker of Calhoun County$1,000 Hugh Arant Scholarship

Jason Camp of Calhoun County$2,000 YF&R Scholarship

Tyler Flowers of Oktibbeha County$2,000 YF&R Scholarship

Emily Irwin of Carroll County$2,000 YF&R Scholarship

Ben Ruscoe of Lafayette County$2,000 YF&R Scholarship

Kaleb Smith of Greene County$1,000 Don Waller Scholarship

Kristy Mayo of Neshoba County$2,000 Berta Lee White Scholarship

Jennifer Kelly Williams of Hinds County$2,000 Berta Lee White Scholarship


Give Students a Gift thatKeeps Giving

Christmas is a time of giving.

At the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federa-

tion Annual Meeting in December, you will

have several great opportunities to do your

Christmas shopping, while helping a good

cause. The Young Farmers and Ranchers

Program will again host silent and live

auctions and the Women’s Program will

host the Farm Bureau General Store.

Proceeds from these events will help

students with tuition costs.

This year, the Young Farmers and

Ranchers Scholarship Foundation awarded

$10,000 in scholarships to deserving

college students. The Women’s Program

awarded the $2,000 Berta White Scholar-

ship to two female college students

(See page 31).

Remember to bring your checkbook

to annual meeting. Do your Christmas

shopping and give our ag students a gift that

keeps on giving.

For more information, contact Young

Farmers and Ranchers Coordinator Greg

Shows at 601.977.4277 or Women’s

Program Coordinator Clara Bilbo at

601.977.4245.

ADDING VALUE TO YOUR MEMBERSHIPBy Greg Gibson/Director, MFBF Member Services

If I told you that you could save hundreds of dollars on products and services

that you use every day, would you be interested to find out how? Of course you

would! Your membership in Farm Bureau costs you only a few dollars each

year, but that fee allows you to participate in many Member Benefit programs

that can save you hundreds, perhaps thousands, of dollars.

Farm Bureau has signed agreements with many partner companies to provide

products and services to Farm Bureau members at a discount. All of these

services are available to you as a member, and all you have to do is provide

your membership number or the special Farm Bureau code that is associated

with that particular program.

Rental Cars: Farm Bureau has agreements with six major car rental companies

to save you money when you need to rent a car. Enterprise, Alamo, National,

Hertz, Avis, and Budget all provide Farm Bureau members with certain

discounts. Each company has certain restrictions so check out the Farm Bureau

Web site to find out contact information for each company.

Industrial Supplies: Grainger, Inc., America's largest supplier of industrial

supplies, offers more than 500,000 parts and supplies at a discounted rate to

Mississippi Farm Bureau members. Grainger offers an efficient solution to the

need for a speedy and consistent supply of electric motors and other electrical

equipment as well as painting, cleaning and other supplies. Members may order

supplies online, by phone, fax, or by visiting your local Grainger branch.

Child Safety Seats: According to Mississippi law, all children under the age

of 4 must be protected by a child passenger restraint device or system. All

children who are between the ages of 4 and 7 and are less than 4 feet 9 inches

tall or weigh less than 65 pounds must be protected by properly using a belt

positioning booster seat system. Farm Bureau offers a child safety seat for

$25 and a booster seat for $15.

For more information on these and all of the other Member Benefit programs,

visit our Web site at www.msfb.com and click on the Member Benefits link. Or

you can call Farm Bureau’s Member Benefits Coordinator Dedra Luke at

601.977.4169.

Win a New Dodge Ram at the YF&R Competitions Most accolades come in the form of flimsy ribbons or cheap pieces of

plastic…but the American Farm Bureau Federation’s® Young Farmer and

Rancher competitions give you the chance to win a legendary Dodge truck.

Show off your agricultural know-how at the National Convention in

Seattle, WA, Jan.10-13, 2010, and you could win a brand new Dodge Ram.

The contest is open to all Young Farmer & Rancher members, so contact your

local Farm Bureau® for all entry details.

For more information about Dodge Ram trucks, visit dodge.com or call

800-4ADODGE.

For information about the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Young

Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) contests, which also offer great prizes, contact

YF&R Coordinator Greg Shows at 1.800.227.8244, ext. 4277.

Farm Bureau is a federally registered collective membership and a registered service mark of the

American Farm Bureau Federation. Dodge is a registered trademark of Chrysler LLC.



Dept. 32486 • 125 Rhoades LaneHendersonville, Tennessee 37075

1-800-974-6233 Ext. 32486 • www.4wc.com/ 32486

2 SEAT BIKEDRIVES LIKE A CAR

• Easy to Pedal• Multi-Speed• 1, 2 & 4 Seaters• Optional Electric Motor FREE BROCHURE

Buildings �at Work For You

You work hard, so should your metal building. At Heritage, our buildings perform from sun up until sun down. Call us today.

Size24x36x1033x45x1045x60x1254x80x14

*Price$ 4,357$ 5,919$ 9,439$14,197

*Prices vary based on codes, loads and accessories.

1.800.643.5555HeritageBuildings.com

First on the Market,First on the Market,

Best in the Field.Best in the Field.

· All stainless steel construction· No smoke, ashes or wood trash in your home· 12 hour burn· 10 to 100 feet from your home· Heats home and household hot water· 25-year warranty· Connects to your existing central duct or hydronic system· Units from 120,000 to 250,000 BTU’s

· Financing Available· Dealer Inquiries Welcome

OUTSIDE

WOODBURNING

FURNACE

“Since 1976”

Hardy ManufacturingCompany, Inc.

Philadelphia, MS 39350

1-800-542-7395

www.hardyheater.com

CHOIR ROBES$3595

& UPEXPERT

TAILORING

www.rcgown.com

Finest fabrics including permanentpress and wash & wear. Superior

quality. Free color catalog and fabric swatches on request.

GUARANTEED SATISFACTIONCall Toll Free: 1-800-826-8612

P.O. Box 8988-F Jacksonville, FL 32211

PLAY GOSPEL MUSIC #1. PLAY GOSPEL SONGS BY EAR. Piano, key-

board. Add chords to music. 10 easy lessons. $12.95 #2. LEARN GOSPEL MUSIC! Chording, runs, fill-ins.

$12.95. Both $23. Guaranteed. DAVIDSONS MUSIC, 6727 M Metcalf, Shawnee Mission, KS 66204

www.davidsonsmusic.com. Free catalog available.


Digital Home Advantage offer requires 24-month commitment and credit qualifi cation. If service is terminated before the end of commitment, a cancellation fee of $15/month remaining will apply. Programming credits will apply during the fi rst 12 months. All equipment is leased and must be returned to DISH Network® upon cancellation or unreturned equipment fees apply. Limit 4 leased tuners per account; lease upgrade fees will apply for select receivers; monthly fees may apply based on type and number of receivers. HD programming requires HD television. All prices, packages and programming subject to change without notice. Local channels only available in certain areas. Offer is subject to the terms of applicable Promotional and Residential Customer Agreements. Additional restrictions and fees may apply. First-time DISH Network® customers only. Offer ends 1/31/10. HBO/Showtime: Programming credits will apply during the fi rst 3 months. Customer must downgrade or then-current price will apply. Cinemax: Requires enrollment in AutoPay with Paperless Billing. HBO®, Cinemax® and related channels and service marks are the property of Home Box Offi ce, Inc. SHOWTIME and related marks are trademarks of Showtime Networks Inc., a CBS company. Infi nityDISH charges a one-time $49.95 non-refundable processing fee. Gift with purchase requires enrollment in America’s Everything Pak with DVR and AutoPay with Paperless Billing, in addition to the one-time $49.95 non-refundable processing fee. Shipping and/or handling fee is required to be paid for redemption. Gift with purchase is provided courtesy of Infi nityDISH. Please visit www.Infi nityDish.com/gifts for terms, conditions and privacy policy.

TODAY!TODAY!TODAY!TODAY!

$3499REGULAR

PRICE

LOCK IN YOUR SAVINGS FOR A YEAR

Call Today to Receive Your Gift

1.877.266.2598Se Habla Español

FREE (4) ROOM INSTALLATION FREE HD-DVR UPGRADE

OVER 120ALL-DIGITALCHANNELS

$1999$1999$$$$$$$19191191919919191991919919199999999999999999999999A MonthFOR 12 MONTHS

FREE One YEAROne CENT

8 Channels for 3 mo. 10 Channels for 3 mo. 5 Channels

MP3 Player DVD Player Digital Camera

Examples of gifts are subject to change. Visit www.infi nitydish.com/gifts.Certain restrictions apply see disclaimer for details.

november/december 2009

Documents