Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation and the Alcorn State University School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences recently hosted a campus visit and tour for Mississippi legislators in Claiborne and Jefferson counties.

“I wanted these individuals in the Legislature to see what southwest Mississippi has to offer,” said Senator Albert Butler, who represents Claiborne, Copiah, Hinds and Jefferson counties.

The rare, in-session trip allowed legislators to see the exciting possibilities this area of the state has available.

“I wanted them to have a bird’s eye view of what we can offer the state of Mississippi, not only in industrial development, but in culture and history,” said Butler, a native of Port Gibson. “

At the first stop, the chairmen and vice chairmen of the Mississippi House and Senate agriculture committees, along with 20 other state lawmakers, heard from local farmers and area residents about immediate needs necessary to open the southwest corner of the state for business.

“Our roads need improvement,” said Rodney Moore, a Port Gibson cattle farmer. “Between the potholes and damage, it tears up your equipment and vehicles. It’s frustrating.”

“Being down here on the river, we’re kind of outliers,” said John Carpenter, a Claiborne County row crop farmer. “I appreciate them taking the time to come down here and see our set of unique problems and listening to our insight.”

For area farmers, the biggest problem is the roads, but for tourist stops, like the Grand Gulf Military Park, the lack of broadband service poses a huge problem in getting visitors to extend their stay.

The area offers even more than rich farmland and tourist destinations. With the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station and Alcorn State University, southwest Mississippi promises industry, education and research in a potential package for economic growth.

“The potential economic development that we and the community have could help drive this state forward,” said Dr. Felicia Nave, president of Alcorn State University. “We have so much to offer our students in terms of educational curriculum and our state in terms of innovation.”

On the tour, lawmakers heard about and saw new developments at Alcorn State University, including a shitake mushroom growing facility and ongoing animal science research on the Lorman campus. In all, Nave believes the tour was a big win.

For them to tour the campus and talk to our faculty and staff – it gives a different impression and reinforces the message I try to bring when I go to the capitol. They got to see firsthand all of the pride I try to exude in my conversations with them,” she said.

Butler agreed, expressing his great excitement for the future.

We want to encourage productivity in Mississippi,” he said. “And, we have the people to do it.”