Cultivate. Innovate. Elevate. MSFB Brings Producers, Leaders to the Table for 2025 Convention
For 103 years, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) has strengthened the voice of Mississippi agriculture, and the 2025 Annual Convention demonstrated once again why the organization remains the state’s most influential advocate for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. Held December 5–7 at the Sheraton Flowood, the convention brought together members from every corner of Mississippi for a weekend of grassroots leadership, policy development, recognition, and fellowship—an annual tradition that continues to unify the state’s diverse agricultural landscape. Built around the theme “Cultivate. Innovate. Elevate.”, this year’s gathering highlighted how Farm Bureau continues to grow leaders, build new ideas, and elevate the work of its members at the state and national levels. It also emphasized a message woven throughout President Mike McCormick’s remarks: the importance of bringing every voice to the table.
President McCormick underscored that purpose throughout the weekend. “If we want to be strong, we’ve got to have everybody’s opinion and every seat at the table reflecting different views from all over the state,” he said. “We don’t want to represent just one commodity or one region. Everybody needs to come together so we can discuss the matters at hand, and that’s what makes our policy so strong.”
He noted that the convention marks a pivotal moment in the organization’s yearlong policy process, where resolutions become the unified message that guides Farm Bureau’s efforts in Jackson and Washington. “This gives me the opportunity to tell our elected leadership that this is not my opinion—it’s our members’ opinion. One hundred seventy thousand voices strong.”
That sense of unity was echoed by newly elected board member Neal Creasy, who is a row crop producer and owner of an ag flying service in Tallahatchie County. “You get everyone in the room—cattle guys, row crops, honeybee folks, everybody. Seeing all sides of what people are advocating for is important.”
Creasy said he especially looked forward to watching the resolutions process unfold. “There weren’t any huge surprises, but it was great to see how everything stood when everyone voted together.”
For younger farmers, he offered a simple message: get involved. “Joining this team has been a blessing. I’d tell young people to ask questions and get the ball rolling.”
Among the memorable moments of the weekend was the retirement celebration honoring Mrs. Betty Mills, longtime Chair of the State Women’s Leadership Committee, and Mrs. Shelby Williams, the committee’s longtime Vice Chair. After years of service, both were honored during the Women’s Leadership Committee Recognition Breakfast and a special reception on Saturday evening. Their leadership shaped countless programs and strengthened engagement and advocacy across the state.
During the Women’s Business Session, Renee Keith of Lamar County was elected to serve as the new Chair and Sabrina Mauldin of Jones County was elected as Vice Chair—marking a new era of leadership for the influential committee.
The convention also spotlighted excellence in Mississippi agriculture through several major awards. The second Mississippi Leopold Conservation Award was presented to Hancock County’s Jim Currie for his outstanding stewardship and innovative work restoring and managing forest and grassland habitat. The inaugural Farm Family of the Year Award went to the Seward family of George County, who combine row-crop production with a thriving agritourism venture that serves as a model of diversification and community engagement. Several additional honors celebrated leadership, service, education, and innovation across the state, including awards recognizing Farm Woman of the Year, Farm Dog of the Year, outstanding extension and research efforts, contributions to agricultural education, and top young farmer achievements.
Throughout the weekend, members participated in commodity breakout sessions, educational programs, and roundtable discussions that reflected the diversity and depth of Mississippi agriculture. Attendees heard powerful, informative, and entertaining presentations from keynote speakers on topics ranging from farm labor and weather to choosing faith over fear.
Saturday evening’s Membership Dinner featured an address from Colonel Mark Tillman, former commander of Air Force One on 9/11, whose insight into leadership and zero-fail missions resonated deeply with the agricultural audience.
Saturday afternoon’s Business Session brought the organization’s grassroots governance to the forefront as delegates reviewed financial reports and bylaws, voted on resolutions, and elected and installed the 2026 Board of Directors. Outgoing leaders were recognized, and delegates for the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting were announced.
Fellowship and connection remained central to the weekend, from county awards and committee recognitions to the Young Farmers & Ranchers Silent Auction, which helps fund scholarship opportunities for the next generation. The convention concluded with a Sunday worship service led by Jimmy and Karly Spires with a message from South Mississippi Vice President Jeff Easterling, offering attendees a moment of reflection before returning home.
As MFBF prepares for another year of advocacy, education, and service, the 2025 Annual Convention stands as a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when everyone has a seat and a voice at the table.
