You turn 100 years old once, so why not celebrate by bringing the whole family together. The Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation did just that with fireworks, baseball, music and a family reunion.

Mike McCormick: “We wanted people to bring their families with them and bring their kids.  I was just visiting with a lady in there who left with her child today to go places, and she said I’ll take you anywhere you want to go and he said, Mom, can we just go back to where we were so I can get back with all my friends?  That’s what we’re trying to build, is a new generation of Farm Bureau members that are family oriented, so we can all come together and enjoy what this great organization means to all of us.”

As the Federation’s tenth leader, McCormick hopes members walk away from a fun week on the Gulf Coast with a renewed sense of how important each member is to growing not only Farm Bureau, but the business of agriculture in the state. And, it worked.

Michael Buckley: “We get all these people from all over the state up here and different sections in agriculture, and we can get together, and communicate, and network.  I think whenever we can all get here, and we can work together and we can learn about each other’s operations, we can help each other out.  We can just learn more about different parts of the agricultural sector.  I think that’s just a really important part of this whole deal.”

Austin Smith: “From my time of being involved in Farm Bureau, I’ve never seen a celebration quite like this.  And it’s nice to see all these folks coming together.  There’s families here, there’s young kids here, there’s a wide variety of ages.  And they’re getting to see that there’s not just work on the farm, but there’s a good, there’s a family outside of the farm that can support you even for years down the road.”

Mary Claire Cornett: “It’s been so much fun to be able to gather with people who all have the same ideas about agriculture, family, faith, and really just to be a big part of Farm Bureau.  And being together, whether you’re a kid, whether you’re an adult, it really doesn’t matter how involved you are, this is a time to gather with each other.”

The State Women’s Leadership Committee and Secretaries Conferences joined together to kick off a week of celebrating with a purpose. Separate and joint sessions for employees and volunteers demonstrated the importance of being that voice of agriculture whether in a county Farm Bureau office or in the classroom furthering our students’ knowledge of where their food, fiber and shelter are created.

Teresa Wiginton: “We’ve had some very informative speakers that have given us great pointers to go back and use in our office in relating with our members…I celebrated my 30th year in June.  Lots of changes over the years, but it is still such a family oriented organization and loving organization and helpful.”

Betty Mills: “and farming is very important to me.  I feel like I need to know a lot of aspects about the farming, not only keeping the books, but when I go to pick up chemicals, I need to have my pesticide license.  So, it’s a lot of things that us gals can do to help on the farm.”

The next night, across the street at MGM Park, you can’t beat baseball and fireworks to welcome more members, elected officials, and ag advocates to South Mississippi.

Michael Watson: “Farm Bureau is a great advocate by working with those groups in the rural areas of our state, pushing together, pushing forward, encouraging them to be part of the political system.  Hey, look, let’s just hold these folks accountable.  That’s a big piece and Mike and his crew do a wonderful job, so really happy to be here with Farm Bureau today.”

Dr. Keith Coble: “It’s a great opportunity to celebrate something that’s really special to this state.  And I say that all the time and I truly mean it.  The relationship that we have at Mississippi State University with Farm Bureau is really unique and it’s really special, and it makes us want come to work every day, and it’s the way I think it ought to be.”

To top off the week, speakers from across the country encouraged members to continue to tell their farming story and the role the Mississippi Farm Bureau plays in spreading those seeds far and wide.

Amanda Radke: “it’s always an honor to be asked to speak.  But this one feels extra special and you can definitely tell it just by the excitement in the air.  People are really excited to be here.  And congratulations to the Farm Bureau too.  It’s an amazing accomplishment.”

Trent Loos: “I can’t say it loud enough, you must activate.  You must be an active member and, in fact, I carry this little book in my pocket all the time.  It’s called the United States Constitution and it says it gives you the opportunity to have a voice, but it’s up to you to use that opportunity.  And that’s what the Farm Bureau does.”

A voice that for a few members has been in their families for many generations.

Laura Gilkerson: “I look back and my grandfather started the Hancock County Farm Bureau.  And we were involved with the Gumbo Festival, which was a big fundraiser.  We watch videos that’s just awesome to see.  My dad is now president of the Hancock County Board.  I am the Women’s Chair, and I’m hoping to get my children involved.  And I actually have a grandson on the way.  So, hopefully, that will be the fourth generation, so we can continue it years to come.”

Jillian Roberts: “So, my family has been members of Farm Bureau for years.  They won an award, the Young Farmers & Ranchers award, back a couple years ago.  And so it’s great to be back here with my mom’s friends and as well as just to meet people and make more connections.”

It’s been 100 years of faith, family and Farm Bureau in Mississippi since 1922. Our members have seen ups and downs, good times and challenges, but one thing is for certain, the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation looks forward to standing with our farmers, ranchers and rural Mississippians for the next 100 years.

Diane Ladner: “I am so thrilled to be a part of this.  Because a hundred years, I mean, look what we have accomplished in a hundred years—a lot, a lot—and, you know, it just tickles me to death to see all the people around and they come from different backgrounds, different farms, but they produce a lot of energy for our communities, for our families, and, you know, it’s just amazing.”

Perry: “Can you imagine what a farmer done a hundred years ago just to try to make a living and how it has changed today?  Look, my heart just does this number.  There’s no way you can explain how much improvement we’ve had on the farm, how much improvement we’ve had with our society for the farmers, you know.  So, yeah, there’s a lot more work to do, but by God, we’ve come a long way, baby.”