Voice of Mississippi Agriculture

Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation members eagerly reunited in Jackson this past weekend for the 99th MFBF Annual Convention. Although the schedule of events was different than years past, members still had the opportunity to participate in programs, meet staff, conduct business, and fill up on wonderful food and fellowship.

“Last year, we could not all be together due to COVID-19, but we still conducted the business of Farm Bureau through a limited business session with a representative from our 82 county Farm Bureaus,” MFBF President Mike McCormick said. “I’m thankful to the members who stepped up to help us move forward with our mission during that crisis. I know everyone was happy to be back together for a full in-person convention.”

This year, during McCormick’s annual address, he encouraged members to continue growing faith in agriculture – just as the 2021 MFBF Annual Convention theme stated – no matter what happens.

“It’s impossible to be a farmer without some amount of faith,” McCormick stated. “Every year, we rely on faith that the hard work we do to plant seeds, grow and harvest crops, and raise livestock will be enough to provide for our families and the world. As Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:7, ‘For we walk by faith, not by sight.’ We don’t know what challenges we will face, and in most cases, those challenges are out of our control. Between COVID-19, natural disasters, like hurricanes and winter storms, and fluctuating market prices, we are constantly facing a path that cannot always be predicted.”

“Although faith cannot be seen or heard, and cannot be measured, it can be felt. I can feel it in this room right now,” he continued. “Mississippi Farm Bureau has grown the world’s faith in agriculture for the last 100 years, but especially the last two. Last year, when the rest of the world was forced to shut down, you, our farmers, never stopped working. Every day of every year, you give your blood, sweat and tears to provide for the greater good of our nation.”

“It seems COVID-19, and everything that has happened in our world since, has given people outside the agriculture industry the opportunity to recognize you and your dedication,” he said. “The nation now realizes the importance of our industry. The United States Department of Homeland Security declared agriculture workers as critical and essential which brought positive attention to agriculture and the issues Farm Bureau advocates for in Jackson and Washington, D.C. Now, as we get ready to celebrate our 100th anniversary, we must continue to grow that faith in the people around us.”

https://vimeo.com/653254439/3084d968cc

One way MFBF helped encourage members this year is by recognizing several members with well-deserved awards during the general session, including:

  • MFBF 2021 Friend of Agriculture Award – Senator Jenifer Branning
  • MFBF 2021 Excellence in Leadership – Charles Waldrup
  • MFBF 2021 Distinguished Service Award – Dr. Reuben Moore
  • MFBF 2021 FFA Advisor of the Year – Jesse Cornelius
  • MFBF 2021 Agricultural Research Award – Dr. Tom Tabler
  • MFBF 2021 Extension Education Award – Alex Shook
  • MFBF 2021 Farm Woman of the Year – Alice Sides
  • MFBF 2021 Women’s Ambassador – Shelby Hall
  • MFBF 2021 YF&R Discussion Meet Winner – Sarah Clark
  • MFBF 2021 YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award – Josh and Lauren Pierce
  • MFBF 2021 YF&R Achievement Award – Sean and Morgan McDonald
  • County Recognition Awards
    • Rising Star Award – Hancock County
    • Excellence Awards
      • Excellence Award in Public Relations and Ag Promotion – Jackson County
      • Excellence Award in Leadership Development –  Montgomery County
      • Excellence Award in Policy Development and Advocacy – Tate County
    • Mike Blankenship Outstanding County Safety Awards
      • North – Pontotoc County
      • Central – Rankin County
      • South – Lincoln and Perry Counties
    • Gary Chittom Membership Awards
      • County with less than 1,750 members – Leflore County
      • County with more than 1,750 members – Jefferson Davis County
    • K. Simpson Memorial Award – DeSoto County
    • Regional Outstanding County Awards
      • Region 1 – Bolivar County
      • Region 2 – Calhoun County
      • Region 3 – Montgomery County
      • Region 4 – Noxubee County
      • Region 5 – Rankin County
      • Region 6 – Jones County
      • Region 7 – Lincoln County
      • Region 8 – Hancock County
    • President’s Award – Montgomery County

“The 2021 Annual Convention was one of the best meetings the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation has ever had,” McCormick said. “We were proud to recognize top members in our state for their contributions.”

In addition to recognizing outstanding members, MFBF announced the organization’s theme for its 100th year – 100 Years of Faith, Family and Farm Bureau – as well as several events it will host for members. Information about MFBF’s Centennial Celebration can be found at msfb100.org.

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