May is Beef Month—a great time to recognize the importance of the beef industry in our state and to celebrate the farmers and ranchers who work hard every day to keep our economy strong and food on our tables.

Cattle production is a leading agricultural industry in the United States, consistently accounting for the largest share of total cash receipts for agricultural commodities. It is an industry deeply ingrained in American culture and is a key contributor to increasing food security by providing nutrient-dense food. In addition to being the global leader in beef production and the top fed-cattle industry, the United States is also the world’s largest consumer of beef.

As one of the few places in the country where cattle can graze year-round, Mississippi plays a vital role in the wider beef industry. Last year, the total value of production of cattle and calves in Mississippi reached $406 million. Mississippi currently has 810,000 head of cattle across some 14,000 farms and ranches.

Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation is committed to supporting and highlighting the work of our state’s beef producers, like Jacob and Martha Megehee of Noxubee County.

Jacob and Martha both grew up in southern Mississippi. Jacob’s parents raised beef, dairy, and hogs on the banks of the Pearl River swamp. Martha’s family also ran a nearby cattle operation and grew tung trees.

After high school, Jacob continued his studies at Mississippi State. He graduated with a degree in dairy production in 1963 and went straight to Army flight school. His first tour of duty stationed him in Germany flying medevac helicopters with the Army Medical Service Corps. He was promoted to the ranks of first lieutenant and captain, respectively, and later flew as a medevac helicopter pilot in Vietnam.

During his seven years of active duty, Jacob flew over 2,000 hours and received five Purple Heart medals, a Silver Star, a Distinguished Flying Cross, a Bronze Star, 27 Air Medals, and an Air Medal with Valor device. He went on to serve 22 more years in the National Guard and Army Reserves, commanding the 75th Field Hospital in Alabama at Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, and Montgomery, and eventually retiring as a full colonel.

Jacob and Martha were able to save $10,000 during their time abroad to put toward a farm of their own. In 1967, they put their money down on the Noxubee County farm they continue to call home. But it wasn’t always an easy path to keep the operation running.

While running their own stocker cattle, Jacob enrolled in graduate school at MSU, where he earned a master’s degree in agricultural economics, managed the university’s South Farm, and became director of services for the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. He also flew helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft for the university and continued flying three weekends a month in the Army National Guard.

In 1972, the land across the road from their farm became available to rent. Jacob was eager for the opportunity to expand their operation, but he was already stretched thin. He convinced Martha to move to the farm for a “five-year trial run.” If things didn’t work out after five years, he promised they would sell it all and move back to town.

So, the couple loaded up their three children and headed south to build their life and farm. In the beginning, they had no yard, just a trailer, which Martha refers to as the “original little house on the prairie,” surrounded by their cattle. But the family soon fell in love with their new home, and Jacob accepted a teaching job at East Mississippi Community College to be closer to the farm.

Five years later, Megehee Cattle Co. was a thriving business. Instead of moving back to town, the Megehees built a home and fenced off a yard, where Martha’s green thumb continues to shine.

Today, Megehee Cattle Company is a commercial cow/calf and stocker operation with a heavy Brangus influence.

Understanding the importance of networking and engaging in industry affiliations, the Megehees have been deeply involved in cattle and agricultural organizations for many years. The longtime Farm Bureau members are also longtime members of several state Cattlemen’s Associations, the Mississippi Beef Board, and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Jacob has served on the advisory board for the Mississippi State University Northeast Mississippi Producer steering committee, the Mississippi 4-H Foundation board, as chairman of the Beef Committee, and as president of the Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association. For his contributions and service to the industry, he was inducted into the Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association Hall of Fame in 2016.

“Cattle are a great way to raise kids. It teaches them a lot about life and responsibility,” said Jacob, emphasizing the importance of opportunities afforded by organizations like Farm Bureau and the Cattlemen’s Association to better connect and promote the industry. “Farm Bureau swings a big stick. And that means a lot when you’re taking to government leaders.”

The Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation is proud to celebrate our farm and ranch families, like the Megehees, who dedicate their lives to feeding the world.