With the 100th anniversary of its formation approaching, the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation continues to reflect on the people who made Farm Bureau what it is today, including C.L. Neill, the organization’s first president.

In May, Jones County Farm Bureau hosted a reception in honor of C.L. and his family at Jones County Junior College. Looking back on his many accomplishments and hearing stories about his character, it’s easy to see why he was selected as the first leader of our organization, Jones County Farm Bureau President Larry Jefcoat says.

“He played an instrumental role in making Farm Bureau what it is today,” he says. “He helped develop the American Farm Bureau, Mississippi Farm Bureau and Jones County Farm Bureau. We are proud to do what we can to honor his memory.”

As MFBF president, C.L. Neill (back row, third from left) played an instrumental role in growing the organization by serving on the Board of Directors for various agricultural entities, including the Mississippi Farm Bureau Cotton Association.

With state and county Farm Bureau leadership in attendance, Neill’s grandsons, granddaughters and family recalled stories of his faith, devotion to family and dedication to Farm Bureau.

“It’s very humbling and amazing to think about the breadth of people he touched during his life,” says Bob Neill, C.L.’s grandson. “He was involved in so many projects and served so many people. I think it’s a great honor for his accomplishments to be recognized. I think he would be pleased that Farm Bureau is still doing what he envisioned it would.”

“I can remember going out to the farm when I was four or five years old. He would sit in his rocking chair on the porch, looking out over the farm. He had a little rocking chair next to his. All the kids had to take turns sitting in the little rocking chair beside him. But, I can remember sitting there with him,” says Susan Neill Harper, C.L.’s granddaughter. “Even as a kid, I knew what an influential man my granddaddy was, and I am so proud to see today the impact he had on all of these people.”

Born in Jasper County, Mississippi, C.L. grew up on a farm. He graduated from Millsaps College in 1907 before working as an educator at high schools in Hattiesburg and Laurel. While serving as the principal of Jones County

Members of the C.L. Neill family celebrated his service to MFBF in May with Jones County Farm Bureau President Larry Jefcoat (left), MFBF President Mike McCormick (second from right) and JCJC President Jesse Smith (right).

Agricultural High School, the trustees gave C.L. permission to assist county agricultural agents organize county Farm Bureaus.

Bob remembers his grandfather as a forward thinker, always knowing what would be needed in the future.

“He seemed to have a sense of what was coming,” Bob says. “It was like he knew what was going to happen and what needed to be done. He was very much a developer of ideas and themes, and he had a vision for Farm Bureau. He was insightful, capable and took initiative.”

As a farmer and educator, C.L. knew from experience how difficult life was for farmers and his rural students. He also knew their needed to be an organization working toward a better life for them, which is why he helped establish MFBF in 1922 and agreed to serve as the organization’s first president.

“I would love to have met him and talked to him,” MFBF President Mike McCormick says. “If I could, I would tell him, ‘What you created is so special. You and all of the people who acted on the idea to form this organization changed the history of American and Mississippi agriculture. Without you, my fellow farmers and I would not have the opportunities we have today. I vow to continue growing this organization for the good of all farmers – past, present and future.’ I think he would be very proud of where we are today.”

Because of leaders like C.L., MFBF is still serving as the voice of agriculture 100 years later. The organization plans to continue pushing forward to better the lives of farmers and ranchers for the next century.

“C.L. took the first footsteps down the path we are still traveling today,” McCormick says. “That path has taken some turns, but we are still traveling with the same values of our forefathers. We have not strayed from our mission, and I think that’s what makes us special.”