I'd like to wish you all a Happy New Year! The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce looks forward to another successful year within our agriculture industry and will continue to support our Mississippi farmers, ranchers and ag producers for years to come.

As the largest industry in the state, agriculture earned $9.7 billion last year. Even with the recent obstacles facing supply chains and product availability, our Mississippi farmers managed to secure a successful harvest in 2022. In turn, their hard work and perseverance has strengthened MDAC’s determination to assist this small community of less than 2% of the population which feeds, clothes and provides for the entire world.

However, even as we continue to strive for excellence in the support and promotion of Mississippi’s ag industry, our agency continues to touch the lives of all Mississippians, not just those directly involved in production agriculture. MDAC is charged with the responsibility of safeguarding the interests of the public, and it's a responsibility we take seriously. If you want to learn more about MDAC and our accomplishments this past year, visit mdac.ms.gov for the fiscal year 2022 annual report.

And as we start afresh in the year 2023, I encourage everyone to make a new year's resolution to learn more about agriculture and to support our farmers by shopping locally. Visit GenuineMS.com to learn where you can find all things grown, raised, crafted and made right here in the Magnolia State. Shop at your local farmers market for all your fresh produce needs; visit msfarmersmarket.com to find a farmers market near you. Don't forget to check out the Mississippi Farm Marketplace to advertise your crops for sale or to find local crops to purchase.

Experience educational, fun-filled agricultural events at the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum and the Mississippi State Fairgrounds. Visit msagmuseum.org and mississippifairgrounds.com for event schedules and further info.

Andy Gipson

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce

DIVISION SPOTLIGHT

Genuine MS® Program

Director: Lane Milton

MDAC's Genuine MS® Program was created to promote and bring attention to the incredible range of agricultural products Grown, Raised, Crafted and Made in our state. Officially launched in 2018, the state branding initiative was developed to identify and brand Mississippi products by telling the unique stories of hardworking, creative

Mississippians and their products.

Currently, MDAC boasts of 320 Genuine MS® members across the state. In addition to its associate memberships, Genuine MS® is

comprised of four major categories:

1) Grown = grains, grasses & fiber / horticulture / timber/ produce

2) Raised = meat / livestock/ seafood / dairy / bees & honey / eggs

3) Crafted = specialty foods / artisan products / pet foods & items

4) Made = flags / chemical cleaners / skin care solutions

Following its overwhelming success at the 2020 Mississippi State Fair, the 'pop-up' Genuine MS® Store has become a staple at trade shows and large events throughout the region. Such a positive response also prompted the creation of a permanent retail location, which is open to the public. Since 2020, 600 Genuine MS® products have been offered in store, representing over 55 Mississippi producers. Sales at the Genuine MS® Store increased by 84 percent in the past year.

Still, MDAC's Genuine MS® Program continues to stay active in promoting the brand across the state on behalf of all its members. In addition to media outreach and informational booths, this program continues to support local producers through different avenues like the newly-launched online store and the expansion of retail opportunities. Last year, Genuine MS® partnered with 11 independently-owned retail grocery stores to display shelf labeling identifying Genuine MS® products.

Learn More

The Genuine MS® Store, located inside the Mississippi Farmers Market, has recently expanded its operating hours. The store is now open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Shop exclusive Genuine MS® products

online at genuinems.com/store anytime!

NOTEWORTHY NEWS

Tip Leads to Recovery of Stolen Tractor in

Rankin County

Following an investigation into a tip, the Mississippi Agricultural and Livestock Theft Bureau (MALTB) and Rankin County Sherriff’s Office recovered a Massey Ferguson tractor reported stolen at the end of October. MALTB received a tip about a tractor on November 29. After investigating the tip, investigators identified the tractor as the Massey Ferguson that was stolen in Rankin County. This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information regarding this theft is asked to please contact MALTB or the Rankin County Sherriff’s Office.

MALTB Director Dean Barnard commended MALTB and Rankin County investigators for their time and effort on this investigation. Director Barnard would also like to say a special thanks to the individual who called in the tip.

“Tips from the public can often provide key information needed in recovering stolen property. I want to thank the individual who came forward with information regarding this case, as well as Director Dean Barnard, Ag Theft investigators, and the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office for their efforts in this ongoing investigation. I encourage anyone who may have information that can assist with this or other cases to give us a call,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson.

The Mississippi Agricultural and Livestock Theft Bureau, a division of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, enforces state laws pertaining to the theft of cattle, horses, swine, poultry, fish, farm equipment, chemicals, timber and all other farm or agriculture-related crimes. To report or provide information regarding an agricultural crime, call (800) 678-2660.

Ag Commissioner Andy Gipson Announces New Mississippi Healthy Food & Families Program

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce is accepting grant proposals from qualified nonprofits to implement projects through the Mississippi Healthy Food and Families Program. The Mississippi Healthy Food and Families Program was established by the Mississippi Legislature in 2022 to increase the purchasing power of Mississippi residents with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables and support local farmers by providing matching dollar incentives for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits redeemed at farmers markets and retailers.

“The Mississippi Healthy Food and Families Program is a win-win for both consumers and farmers. This program provides increased access to fresh, nutritious produce for residents that need it the most while expanding marketing opportunities for our local farmers,” said Commissioner Gipson.

Qualified nonprofits are invited to submit grant proposals seeking funding to implement projects that provide incentives for Mississippi residents using SNAP benefits to double the purchases of fruits and vegetables at participating Mississippi farmers markets and retailers. Funding available this cycle is $360,000. Applicants must have a demonstrated track record or experience with coordinating a statewide network of SNAP incentive programs and leveraging resources to address food insecurity in underserved communities.

The submission deadline is January 31, 2023.

Learn More

USDA to Collect Final 2022 Crop Production

and Crop Stocks Data

Mississippi farmers and forest landowners have the opportunity to provide data that helps shape future farm policy when they complete the 2022 Census of Agriculture.

The deadline to be counted in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s census is Feb. 6, 2023. Although it is too late to sign up for the census, codes to participate in the survey were mailed out in November, so participants can respond online.

Taken every five years, the ag census is a complete count of U.S. farms, ranches and the people who operate them. It is the only source of comprehensive and impartial data on agriculture in each county and state. Participation in the Census of Agriculture is required by law of those in farming and agriculture.

Steve Martin, interim director of the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said agriculture is Mississippi’s No. 1 industry, and it provides 17.4% of the state’s jobs and more than $16 billion in added value to the state’s economy annually.

“Proper representation of all of our farmers and ranchers is critical to this important industry in our state,” Martin said. “Census data inform decisions about policy, farm and conservation programs, infrastructure and rural development, research, education and more. I encourage all Mississippi farmers to submit their data, as the Census of Agriculture is your opportunity to have a voice in the future of U.S. agriculture.”

Those who received a 2022 Censure of Agriculture survey code in the mail start the process by visiting www.agcounts.usda.gov.

Mississippi State Fairgrounds Provides Non-Potable Water to the Public

In response to the water situation in Jackson, the Mississippi State Fairgrounds opened its gates to provide the public with access to non-potable water. Non-potable water is water that is use for flushing and purposes other than drinking.

The Fairgrounds provided this service for one week, from Wednesday, December 28, until Wednesday, January 4.

“I am proud of the Fairgrounds staff for coordinating this effort to assist members of the community during their time of need. The Fairgrounds supplied approximately 4,000 gallons of water to Jackson residents. We will continue monitoring the situation and will re-open, if needed,” said Commissioner Andy Gipson.

The 58th Annual Dixie National Rodeo

Rides into Jackson

The 58th Annual Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo officially kicks off January 6, with the Dixie National Southern Cutting Horse Show inside the Kirk Fordice Equine Center. The six-week event features multiple equine and livestock shows, first-rate musical entertainment, the Sale of Junior Champions, Mississippi Ag and Outdoor Expo, Rodeo Days Expo, the annual parade, and of course, the rodeo competitions.

The Dixie National Rodeo, produced by Harper & Morgan Rodeo, is the largest professional rodeo east of the Mississippi River and will take place February 10-12 and 15-18 inside the Mississippi Coliseum. Tickets to the Rodeo can be purchased at the Coliseum Box Office or online at Ticketmaster.com.

Dixie National Rodeo performances are as follows:

Friday, February 10, at 7:00 p.m. – Randy Houser
Saturday, February 11, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. – Chancey Williams
Sunday, February 12, at 2:00 p.m. – Mark Chesnutt
Wednesday, February 15, at 7:00 p.m. – Lainey Wilson
Thursday, February 16, at 7:00 p.m. – Diamond Rio
Friday, February 17, at 7:00 p.m. – Casey Donahew
Saturday, February 18, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. – Chris Lane

All events included in the 2023 Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo will run January 6 to February 19, 2023.

MAYC Members Learn About Agriculture

Advocacy at Second Meeting

Recently, members of the Mississippi Agriculture Youth Council (MAYC) held their second meeting at the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) headquarters in Jackson. The MAYC met with Mississippi Poultry Association Executive Director Mark Leggett, Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director Andy Berry and MDAC Legislative Liaison Chris McDonald. The focus of the session was to learn about how to effectively advocate for issues that influence the agriculture industry.

The 2022 Mississippi Agriculture Youth Council is comprised of 12 high school seniors with an interest in agriculture. The goal of this council is to expose the students to a variety of agriculture career fields and to teach them how to advocate for various aspects of the agriculture industry. Council members will visit Mississippi agricultural companies and organizations, learn about the legislative process and how it affects the agriculture industry, hold discussions with industry professionals and hone career-development skills.

Current members include Pacey Baucom of Jones County; Chase Boone of Smith County; Grant Goree of Smith County; Caroline Chapman of Tippah County; Amy Estes of Lincoln County; Leighton Horton of Tippah County; Owen Massey of Covington County; Sadie Morris of Panola County; Hannah Reed of Rankin County; Sy Sullivan of Simpson County; Jenna Walters of Jones County; and Jon Tyler Wells of Scott County.

MAYC members are looking forward to experiencing the legislative session during their next meeting in February.

Womack Named State Chemist, Director of Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory

After a nationwide search, Dr. Erika Womack has been named director of the Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory and State Chemist of Mississippi. Womack will serve as the 12th State Chemist of Mississippi, succeeding Dr. Darrell Sparks who was named interim State Chemist in 2021 and served as associate State Chemist from 2017-2021 and Dr. Ashli Brown, the first woman who was appointed as State Chemist from 2013-2021.

The Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory, an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratory, has 130 years of service dedicated to the state of Mississippi. A state-appropriated agency that supports the stakeholders of Mississippi’s agriculture, the Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory shares regulatory authority of animal feeds, fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural limes, human foods and petroleum products with the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC), Bureau of Plant Industry, Mississippi Department of Health and the State Department of Marine Resources.

MDAC's Bureau of Regulatory Services, in particular, works closely with the State Chemist in many different capacities. The Petroleum Products, Consumer Protection and Meat Inspection Divisions all rely on the Office of the State Chemist for testing samples that are obtained by the various regulatory divisions.

“I am extremely grateful for the chance to lead the Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory. The lab has immense analytical capabilities and offers a critical service for the advancement of agriculture, support of industries and stakeholders, and for the protection of consumers in the state,” Womack said. Her appointment as State Chemist is pending confirmation from the Mississippi Senate.

UPCOMING EVENTS

The 58th Dixie National Livestock Show & Rodeo

dixienational.org

Annual Spring Farm Days Event to Be Held at the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum

The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum, a division of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, invites the public to attend the annual Spring Farm Days event Thursday, March 2, through Saturday, March 4, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Admission is $8 per person for ages 3 and up.

This three-day event is a wonderful opportunity to come out and see the Ag Museum come to life! Visitors can expect a variety of educational exhibits that display farming, gardening and forestry, as well as cooking demonstrations by the Mississippi Egg Marketing Board. The Children’s Barnyard will also be open, which includes a variety of animals like pigs, goats, horses and other farm animals.

msagmuseum.org