Above. Beyond. MFBF Celebrates New Heights During 2024 Annual Convention
For 102 years, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) has championed the interests of farmers and ranchers across the state, and the 2024 Annual Convention continued that proud tradition. Held December 6-8 at the Sheraton Flowood, the event brought together members from across Mississippi to celebrate the organization’s legacy while laying the groundwork for its future.
The convention blended important organizational work with opportunities for fellowship and learning. Members conducted official business, electing new leaders, reviewing policies, and strategizing for the coming year, while also enjoying opportunities to reconnect with old friends and share ideas.
Newly elected MFBF Board Member Craig Canull from Lowndes County captured the event’s spirit, saying, “We get to meet a lot of old friends, people that we’ve known for years. This is about the only time we get to see them, and there’s a lot you can learn by coming to the convention.”
The weekend was packed with engaging events like the Women’s Leadership Committee Recognition Breakfast, a special reception for members of the Landmark Leadership Council, the Young Farmers & Ranchers Silent Auction, and the Mississippi 4-H Christmas Open House at the Ag Museum. During the business session, delegates from all 82 counties backed standing President Mike McCormick and Vice Presidents Donald Gant, Ted Kendall, and Jeff Easterling for another term. Delegates also elected ten new board members and voted on resolutions to help guide the organization in the coming year.
Throughout the weekend, attendees heard from industry experts and leaders, including Scott Rasmussen, co-founder of ESPN, and Amberley Snyder, motivational speaker and champion barrel racer. Commodity breakout sessions were led by Senior Science Fellow and Principal Atmospheric Scientist for Nutrien Ag Solutions Eric Snodgrass and RFD-TV’s host of This Week in Agri-Business Mike Pearson. These dynamic speakers provided valuable perspectives, inspiring stories, and insights into the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture in the years ahead.
Under the theme “Above. Beyond.”, MFBF President Mike McCormick emphasized the organization’s commitment to tackling critical issues and supporting Mississippi’s agricultural community. “We challenged our staff, county leadership, and members to help us focus on the right priorities to ensure Farm Bureau remains successful. This weekend was important to make sure we’re focusing in the right direction and accomplishing our goals.”
The convention also celebrated the outstanding achievements of its members through several prestigious awards. These recognitions underscore the importance of contributions to the collective success of MFBF and the farming community and celebrate the dedication and accomplishments of those who represent the best of Mississippi agriculture.
The convention was a celebration of community, shared purpose, and the enduring legacy of Mississippi agriculture. Members left inspired and united, ready to tackle the challenges ahead and continue the important work of supporting agriculture across the state.
“It’s important to celebrate the path we’ve traveled, but even more critical to focus on the future—what we’re going to accomplish over the next 100 years.”