After celebrating the centennial anniversary of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation with a trade show, livestock show and concert, members, staff and delegates landed in Puerto Rico at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 104th Annual Meeting, looking for some well-deserved rest and relaxation, but the celebration continued.

MFBF was one of five state Farm Bureaus to receive the Pinnacle Award, the highest honor a state Farm Bureau can receive from AFBF for program and membership achievement. MFBF leadership said it is a testament to the hard work members and staff put in every day to promote Farm Bureau and agriculture in the state.

“I believe it’s a tangible acknowledgment of how much effort our membership and staff has put into promoting and supporting agriculture in the state of Mississippi,” MFBF Administrator and General Counsel Kent Bloodworth said.

MFBF was also awarded four State Awards of Excellence in Advocacy, Engagement and Outreach, Leadership and Business Development, and Coalitions & Partnerships.

“I’ll give all the credit to our staff. They work extremely hard for our members. All of this recognition comes because of their hard work, and I’m just so proud to be a part of it,” MFBF President Mike McCormick said.

MFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers contestants competed in the Discussion Meet, the Excellence in Agriculture and Achievement Award contests.

Dane and Caroline Garner were named top ten finalists in the Achievement Award contest.

“It’s nice to come here and be recognized, but also represent our Farm Bureau and state,” Caroline said.

“We’ve learned a lot from some of the people we met,” Dane added. “It’s been good to see the perspective other farmers have and the things they have to implement to keep their farm profitable. That’s been a big help to us.”

The challenging competitions left each Mississippi representative we with plenty to take home from the experience.

“I learned a lot about other viewpoints and issues young farmers are facing in different parts in the country,” said Jay Slater, MFBF Discussion Meet contestant. “I think the knowledge is something I can take back to our state, county and region to implement.”

“I always want to be an advocate for agriculture, especially Mississippi agriculture, and any chance I get to do that on a national stage is beneficial,” said Alex Deason, MFBF Excellence in Agriculture contestant.

For staff and members alike, experiencing Puerto Rico was special and helped them realize the agriculture industry needs everyone to contribute as that voice of agriculture so we can all be a part of mi familia.

“Agriculture is everywhere, but at the same time, you don’t know all your neighbors until you get somewhere like this,” said MFBF member Colton McMurray. “It makes you realize agriculture is in every part of the world.”

“I think it’s important for us to support all of our American Farm Bureau family, including Puerto Rico Farm Bureau,” McCormick said. “We’ve never been here, so I’m proud we came to support this member of our family. It should have a big impact on their membership.”