Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation celebrated 100 years of faith, family and Farm Bureau during its 100th Annual Convention by inviting every facet of the Mississippi agriculture industry to Jackson in December.

The iconic event, held at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds and the Sheraton Refuge, boasted activities for all ages, including the Mississippi Farm & Land Expo, the Mississippi Farm Bureau Classic Livestock Show, and a concert, featuring Trace Adkins, Clay Walker and Drake White.

Families, friends, Farm Bureau members and many Mississippians who were new to the agriculture industry were invited…and thousands showed up.

“This event is what Farm Bureau is all about,” MFBF President Mike McCormick said. “We wanted our members to join us in this celebration, but we also wanted our fellow Mississippians to come see the impact we have and what the future of agriculture looks like in our state. I believe we accomplished that with each piece of this convention.”

In the Mississippi Farm & Land Expo, attendees could purchase anything from clothing to any type of seed to a tractor – big or small. They also had the opportunity to experience the latest farming technology on display throughout the expo.

“We’re here to see all of the technology available to farmers, like ourselves,” said Carla Taylor, a Prentiss County dairy farmer and MFBF State Women’s Leadership Committee member. “I think this is a wonderful way to show those outside of Farm Bureau that farmers are not just a man in overalls, standing in a field of cows with a pitch fork. Mississippi farmers use state-of-the-art technology, like what is featured in the trade show, every day.”

Hundreds of families also showed up and showed out by competing in the Mississippi Farm Bureau Classic Livestock Show.

This piece of the centennial celebration allowed MFBF to provide the youth of Mississippi with direct experiences, allowing them to achieve more in life, in and out of the show ring. It also provided the organization the opportunity to educate the public about agriculture in a different way.

“The livestock show was an important piece of our centennial celebration,” McCormick says. “It allowed us to connect with members and non-members who show livestock, as well as consumers who were interested in the livestock we raise in Mississippi.”

MFBF raised the bar for the celebratory event by hosting prominent state and national leaders and elected officials.

State leaders included Gov. Tate Reeves, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, Speaker of the House Philip Gunn, Speaker Pro Tempore Jason White, Attorney General Lynn Fitch, Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson, Commissioner of Insurance and State Fire Marshall Mike Chaney, and Mississippi State University President Dr. Mark Keenum.

National leaders included U.S. Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith, U.S. Representatives Trent Kelly, Michael Guest and Mike Ezell, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall, and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, the keynote speaker for the event.

These special guests spoke to members during the event’s general sessions. Some also presented state and national resolutions celebrating the anniversary. Keenum even brought the Golden Egg trophy for all to enjoy.

“This is a milestone we’re all proud of, because most member organizations don’t last 100 years,” Duvall says. “If you look at Farm Bureau, we’re more relevant today than we were when the organization was created. The reason for that is simple – people are so removed from the farm and the work those in the agriculture industry do that our impact in all areas, especially legislatively, is so valuable.”

After attending this event, many within the agriculture industry walked away with a renewed energy, knowing the future is bright.

“Farm Bureau represents the whole state of Mississippi,” says Dr. Steve Martin, Mississippi State University Extension professional. “It looks after not only famers, but consumers, too. It also doesn’t matter what facet of agriculture you are in – livestock, row crop, horticulture – Farm Bureau is your voice, and I think they showcased that well during this celebration.”

Now, MFBF is already looking to the next 100 years, identifying the farmers, ranchers, business owners, lawmakers and members who will lead the organization and continue the work as the voice of agriculture.

“We need leaders to celebrate, stand up and fight for Farm Bureau and the rural way of life – because our work is not done. I implore you to be someone on that wagon that started a century ago. Whether you’re pushing, pulling or steering, Farm Bureau needs you to be our future.”