Voice of Mississippi Agriculture

The world of agriculture is constantly evolving, but there is one thing that will always remain the same – the need for youth development. The future of the farming community is dependent on investing in the youth of Mississippi.

We, at Farm Bureau, see the value of 4-H and FFA programs in the state. We understand that the opportunities these organizations provide help students develop valuable skills, such as communication, teamwork, decision making and problem solving. These skills are essential for success in any career or profession, so by participating in 4-H and FFA, Mississippi’s youth are building a strong foundation for their future.

We believe it is the responsibility of organizations, like Farm Bureau, to foster these career development opportunities. That is why, we are pleased to announce that we will be hosting the Mississippi Farm Bureau Classic Livestock Show again this year. The show will be held Nov. 17-19, 2023, at the Mississippi Fairgrounds in Jackson. We will also be expanding the show to include goats and sheep, along with beef cattle and pigs.

As many of you know, Farm Bureau celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. We held the first Mississippi Farm Bureau Classic Livestock Show during our celebratory event in December. With more than 700 head of livestock exhibited, we felt the show to big a success.

We invested in Mississippi youth, giving them the opportunity to continue building skills they will need in the future, including relationship building. Farm Bureau understands the importance of building lifelong connections. By hosting events like livestock shows, it gives young people the opportunity to meet and develop relationships with industry professionals throughout the state.

If you are involved the agriculture industry, please accept this as your invitation to come out to our livestock show and meet the young people who will be exhibiting. You support, guidance and inspiration in their lives would be invaluable.

Jon Kilgore is the Regional Manager for Region 6 at the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation.