Looking across the rolling hills of Southern Cross Farm on the Webster and Choctaw county line, it’s easy to see why Dr. Gary Jackson, the 2022 Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Ag Ambassador Award recipient, and his family call this land home.

You could reflect for hours while taking in the scenery. But, like any cattleman, Jackson has work to do on and off the farm.

“Experience is always the best teacher,” Jackson said. “However, I’m very appreciative of the fact that I was encouraged to go to college and pursue a degree in agriculture. I wouldn’t change that at all.”

Growing up on a farm helped Jackson develop a strong work ethic, but it was his agricultural teacher at Water Valley High School who pushed Jackson to become a voice for agriculture.

“Mr. Childress probably had the most influence in pushing me to pursue an agriculture‑related career,” he said. “I love people, and I enjoy being around people involved in the ag and natural resources industry. The agriculture education and communication profession became my target when I put those two things together.”

After earning his degree, Jackson became an agricultural teacher before moving on to serve as a Mississippi State University faculty member. From there, he led the Mississippi State University Extension Service for almost 12 years – which he considers to be the highlight of his professional life.

“I got to represent agents, extension specialists and staff, and talk about their impact economically, socially and environmentally in in the state of Mississippi,” he said. “I can remember a former chair of the Mississippi House Appropriations Committee once asked me, ‘What is the value of Extension in Mississippi?’ My response was, ‘It’s priceless.’”

With his wife, Nancy, a retired veterinarian, Jackson has passed on the love of agriculture, animals and the outdoors to his two daughters – who were fierce competitors on local, state and national rodeo circuits through high school – and his grandchildren.

Now, Jackson is continuing his professional career as the Mississippi State University Associate Vice President for Outreach and Engagement. Long story short, in his newly appointed role, Jackson is still an ambassador for agriculture, which is one of the many reasons he was selected as this year’s award recipient.

“This is indeed a great honor, and I’m very humbled,” he said. “There are a lot of people in the agriculture industry in Mississippi that are much more deserving than I am. But I am very appreciative for the selection. It is a highlight for me, not only professionally, but personally. I am the 2022 Ag Ambassador Award recipient because Extension and the work of all the Extension agents, specialists, and the professional and support staff.”