As the political landscape in Mississippi evolves, the entry of new legislators after an election with strong agricultural ties into the Mississippi Legislature is powerful. These fresh faces bring with them a wealth of experience and perspectives from the agricultural sector, promising to shape policies and decisions impacting the state’s farming communities and rural areas for the good.
The inclusion of individuals like these with agricultural backgrounds in the Mississippi Legislature signals a shift towards representation more closely aligning with the needs and interests of the state’s rural population. With a deep understanding of the challenges facing farmers, ranchers, and rural businesses, these new legislators are poised to advocate for policies supporting and promoting the growth and sustainability of Mississippi’s number one industry, agriculture.
Drawing on their firsthand knowledge of the agricultural industry, these new legislators bring a unique perspective to the decision-making process in the Mississippi Legislature. Their ability to navigate complex issues relating to farming practices, environmental sustainability, and rural economic development equips them to propose innovative solutions and champion policies addressing the pressing needs of agricultural communities.
Senator Andy Berry, the Executive Director of the Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association, is an avid cattle farmer and is a dedicated leader committed to advancing the interests of cattlemen in the state. With his extensive experience in agriculture and passion for supporting local farmers, Senator Berry has become a prominent figure in Mississippi’s farming community.
“As part of my service, I want to ensure our rural towns and communities that depend on agriculture remain vibrant and healthy just as we need our farmers and ranchers to be profitable and prosperous,” said Berry.
He serves as the Vice Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a member of the Senate Forestry Committee.
Representative Lance Varner is the owner and auctioneer at Auction 18 in Florence. Representative Varner is a member of Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, and his children are very active in 4-H with their meat goat projects. Representative Varner’s daughter, Layton, won 3rd Overall Market Goat at our Farm Bureau Classic Livestock Show.
“Agriculture is one of the most important industries we have in Mississippi. My family has a small farm where we raise and show market goats. Seeing a project grow from breeding, to kidding, to showing is pretty special,” said Varner.
Representative Varner serves as a member of the House Agriculture Committee.
Senator Reginald Jackson is a new legislator who farms soybeans in Sledge.
“Farming has been in my family for several generations. I’m excited to take that experience and work for better conditions for all farmers in the state in my new role as a Senator,” said Jackson when asked about his agriculture background.
Jackson looks forward to promoting more equality for farmers of color and small farmers. Senator Jackson graduated from Georgia Southern University and has four children. He serves as a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and Vice Chairman of the Senate State Library Committee.
Senator Brian Rhodes, is an active poultry and cattle producer in Pelahatchie. He is no stranger to Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, as he was awarded the Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award in 2020 and placed 4th in the American Farm Bureau Achievement Award contest. Additionally, he served 4 years as the Rankin County Farm Bureau President and on the state Board of Directors in 2020-2021.
When asked about combining his agriculture roots with a Capitol suit, Rhodes said, “I believe that Legislators with agricultural backgrounds bring valuable insight into crafting policies that impact farming and rural communities. Their firsthand experience helps address the unique challenges and needs of the agriculture sector, contributing to more informed and effective decision-making in legislation related to farming, sustainability, and rural development.”
Senator Rhodes serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Forestry Committee and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.
Representative Jonathan McMillan resides in Madison and is a member of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation. He is the General Manager of Deviney Rental and Supply in Gluckstadt. Representative McMillan grew up in Kosciusko where his dad and grandfather farmed cotton, corn, and soybeans. Additionally, they had cattle.
“Just from understanding the issues and what farmers are going through, I am excited to be a voice and find solutions to their problems,” said McMillan. “Agriculture is the number one industry in the state and drives our economy, so it is very important to be someone who understands it firsthand.”
He serves as the Vice Chairman of the House Forestry Committee and a member of the House Agriculture Committee.
Senator Philman Ladner is a resident of Pass Christian where he trains race horses. He also buys and sells cattle. When asked about bringing his agriculture background to the Capitol?
“I’m proud to say I’m on the Agriculture committee and excited about bringing my horsemanship and farming experience from the southern counties to the Mississippi Capitol,” said Ladner.
Senator Ladner serves as the Vice Chairman of the Senate Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Committee and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.
Representative Brad Mattox, owns Big Bang Trading Company in Corinth. He attended Mississippi State University and currently has a beef cattle operation. Representative Mattox is a member of Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation.
“I am very proud of my agricultural background. I feel that it is something that touches everyone daily and I am excited for the opportunity to work hard in the Legislature for the Mississippi Agriculture Industry,” said Mattox.
He serves as a member of the House Agriculture Committee and a member of the House Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Committee.
Representative Josh Hawkins is a resident of Batesville. He grew up around his grandfather and uncle who farmed row crops and cattle. Currently, they rent out their row crop and pasture land, but continue managing their timberland.
“The values and principles I learned on the farm helped to create a great foundation for me to serve my District and our State, especially our agriculture industry which is a driving force in most of our local economies and our State as a whole,” said Hawkins.”
Representative Hawkins serves as the Vice Chairman of the House Conservation and Water Resources Committee and a member of the House Agriculture Committee.
The infusion of new legislators with agricultural ties into the Mississippi Legislature represents a positive and forward-thinking development in state politics. By bringing their expertise, experiences, and passion for agriculture to the forefront of legislative discussions, these individuals have the opportunity to shape policies and initiatives leaving a lasting impact on Mississippi’s farming communities and rural areas. As they navigate the complexities of governance and policymaking, these new faces are poised to be powerful advocates for the agricultural sector and champions for the interests of Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation members.
Taylor McNair is the Public Policy Coordinator at the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation.