Believe it or not, the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation will turn 100 years old in 2022. However, prior to the creation of the statewide organization, several county Farm Bureaus were formed. One of those being the Lincoln County Farm Bureau.

At one time, Lincoln County Farm Bureau was a small county, and now we’re one of the larger counties,” Lincoln County Farm Bureau President Robert Earl McGehee said. “I’m proud of that. I’m proud of Farm Bureau. It is an awesome organization that stands for the farmer. For us to be here for 100 years is truly amazing.”

McGehee said Lincoln County has always been a strong Farm Bureau county with members dedicated to the mission of improving the lives of farmers, ranchers and rural residents. That dedication is no more obvious than in Lincoln County Farm Bureau board member Sam Laird. Laird was recognized during the Lincoln County 100th Celebration in August 2021 as one of the longest serving board members in the history of the organization.

“I’m not sure there are many board members who have served 53 years, like Mr. Sam. It’s not common,” MFBF President Mike McCormick said. “We are so grateful for everything he’s done and the commitment he made to Farm Bureau over the years. Lincoln County Farm Bureau would not be stronger today than it was 53 years ago without people like Mr. Sam.”

You do not last 100 years without taking care of your members, whether they are serving agriculture’s interests in the U.S. Senate or in Brookhaven as the county 4-H agent, Farm Bureau continues to make a difference. Many familiar faces turned out to honor the legacy of Farm Bureau in Lincoln County and talk about ways to strengthen agriculture in Mississippi during the celebration.

Farm Bureau is a strong voice in politics and has a strong seat at the table,” U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith said. “The organization provides an avenue for members to receive information from the Capitol and for Congressmen to receive information from constituents.

“Farm Bureau is truly a grassroots organization,” Lincoln County 4-H Agent Jennifer Wililams added. “To have an organization like Farm Bureau go to bat for our farmers and ranchers is so important.”

Cows have always been a staple in Lincoln County whether beef or dairy. Today, there are more beef cattle, but one thing has never changed, and that’s the willingness to promote the Farm Bureau vision.

Since Lincoln County Farm Bureau’s inception, one thing has never changed – the willingness to promote the Farm Bureau vision. McGehee says that comes directly from the people – the farmers and ranchers – who make up this organization.

The vision the people had when they formed our organization was amazing,” he said. “So much so, that it continues to be the focus of this organization 100 years later.”