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June is recognized as National Dairy Month, and this is a great time to support the dairy industry. The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce has a long history with this industry, being charged with the enforcement of State Dairy and Creamery Laws in the early 1920s. As the demand for milk and cream grew in Mississippi, so did commercial 'dairying.' By 1922, over 7,000 farmers with milking cows were employed in the dairy market and there were 24 successful creamery operations across the state. Though the dairy industry has significantly declined since the early 1900s, our agency proudly continues to serve both Mississippi consumers and producers of dairy products.
Visit GenuineMS.com to learn where you can find local dairy products, and shop at your local farmers market for all your fresh dairy and produce needs. Don't forget to check out the Mississippi Farm Marketplace to advertise your crops for sale or to find local crops to purchase.
Andy Gipson
Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce
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The MDAC Dairy and Creamery Division was required to complete annual inspection reports on individual dairy farms. Each milking barn and lot were inspected, and all utensils were examined for cleanliness and sanitation, as well as proper milk storage. In 1973, inspection and regulation of dairy products were transferred to MDAC's Consumer Protection Division. | |
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James Smith, Director of Seed Testing Laboratory
MDAC's own James Smith was recently named Vice President of the Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA). He also is one of the few registered seed technologists in the entire North American continent and the only practicing seed tech in the state of Mississippi. Smith is the Director of the Seed Testing Laboratory within the Bureau of Plant Industry.
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BUREAU SPOTLIGHT
Bureau of Plant Industry
Director: Laura Vollor
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MDAC's Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), located on Mississippi State University’s campus in Starkville, is a regulatory and service division that protects the agricultural and horticultural interests of the state from harmful insects, diseases and weeds. The Bureau is also responsible for registering pesticides, feeds, seeds, fertilizers and soil amendments sold in the state. Last year alone, BPI registered 44,541 feed, fertilizer, lime and pesticide products. Over 30 programs fall under the direction of BPI, including the Honey Bee Program, Pesticide Program, Plant Pest Program, seed testing and inspection, and more. Seed inspection is the main duty of the Seed Testing Laboratory, also located on MSU's campus. Under the direction of Director James Smith, this lab provides regulatory and service seed testing to the seed industry and farmers of Mississippi. In 2021, the Seed Lab performed over 31,490 tests on seeds and conducted 9,799 special tests on seed, such as the cool germ test, accelerated aging and chemical tests.
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MDAC Hosts Mississippi Timber Promotion Inbound Trade Mission and Showcase | |
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The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce and the Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA) have invited timber buyers from the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Indonesia, Vietnam and China to visit with Mississippi timber exporters from Sunday, June 26, through Friday, July 1, 2022.
As part of the trade mission, MDAC will also host a Timber Products Showcase June 29-30, at the Mississippi Trade Mart. To attend and secure a reservation, participants must complete the registration form and pay by Wednesday, June 15, 2022.
“I am proud of this opportunity for Mississippi timber exporters and the entire timber industry to visit with delegations from nine important world markets,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson, who also serves as President of SUSTA. “This Showcase will bring stakeholders together to help strengthen Mississippi’s timber industry in areas of international trade, logistics, transportation and economic development. I encourage those interested in growing their export markets and trade network to participate in the first-ever Mississippi Timber Product Showcase.”
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Register online now at link. | |
MDAC is Now Accepting Applications for Specialty Crop Block Grant - H.R. 133 Stimulus Funding | |
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The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce is now accepting proposals for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program - H.R. 133 Stimulus Funding.
This additional funding has been provided due to COVID-19 impacts to the food system. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages projects that respond to COVID-19 impacts. This may include projects to assist farmworkers, farmers, food businesses and other relevant entities to respond to risks and supply chain disruptions.
Funding Priorities for HR 133 SCBGP Include:
• Promotion & Marketing
• Grower educational programs to for new farmers and seasoned farmers
• Increasing market opportunities for specialty crops
• Enhancing food safety
• Pest and disease control
• Increasing knowledge and consumption of specialty crops
• COVID-19 related impacts to the specialty crop industry
Applications must be submitted to MDAC by June 23, 2022. No late applications will be accepted.To obtain an application, visit the Alerts and Announcements section at www.mdac.ms.gov, call Susan Lawrence at (601) 213-7542, or email susan@mdac.ms.gov.
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The Mississippi Coliseum Celebrates its
60-Year Anniversary
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The Mississippi Coliseum is one of the most recognizable and revered landmarks of our state. Sitting on 103 acres, the Mississippi Coliseum is located on the Mississippi State Fairgrounds in downtown Jackson between the State Capitol and the Pearl River. June 3, 2022, marks the 60-year anniversary of the dedication for the Mississippi Coliseum.
In the early 1960s, Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Si Corley wanted to achieve one of his goals of “Selling Mississippi to Mississippians,” and he was given the opportunity to do just that with the opening of the Mississippi Coliseum. One way he wanted to achieve this goal was to build a venue in the capital city that was large enough to hold any statewide event.
Commissioner Corley, along with Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association President Dorris Ballew and other ag leaders, submitted a resolution for such a facility to be erected. It was brought before the state Senate, where it passed and was signed into law by Governor J.P. Coleman. This bill allocated $2,750,000 in bonds for the Coliseum to be built. A bond is sue was then passed by the city of Jackson, giving the Coliseum an additional $1,500,000. The total cost of this project was an astronomical $4,250,000, which is equivalent to $37,582,102.60 in today’s currency.
Since 1962, this towering landmark has been home to rodeos, livestock shows, concerts, comedy shows, circuses, monster truck rallies, wrestling matches, basketball games, contests, crusades, worship nights, conferences, and so much more. It was a gargantuan undertaking in Mississippi’s his tory, and eventually boasted of fully equipped livestock barns, equine stalls, multiple arenas, and trade halls.
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The Coliseum stands the height of a ten-story building and covers two and half acres of land. It has stood the test of time, as a place of refuge during hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, ice storms, and other natural disasters for the citizens of Mississippi.
"For 60 years, the Mississippi Coliseum has served as a hub for activities taking place at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds. The array of events held at this landmark over time has brought countless visitors to the Fairgrounds from all walks of life. The Coliseum is more than just an event center. For some people, the Coliseum brings back memories of attending a first rodeo or concert, and the Coliseum is a reminder of high school graduation day for many. The Coliseum served a place of refuge and shelter during and after Hurricane Katrina as evacuees from the coast were trying to figure out their next move. I am proud of the recent renovations to the Coliseum that will allow Mississippians to continue using it,” said Commissioner Andy Gipson.
In July 2020, Commissioner Andy Gipson completed the renovation of the Mississippi Coliseum. This was a $2.2 million project that included repairing and painting the floors, installing new seating, and adding handrails and reflectors. It has permanent seating for 6,500 people but has a maximum occupancy of 10,000 people. The updated Mississippi Coliseum flows seamlessly into the new Trade Mart building, which was completed in October 2020.
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Multi-Agency Rebuilding the Walls of Safety Crime Summit to be Held at State Fairgrounds | |
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Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson and the Department of Agriculture and Commerce will host a Rebuilding the Walls of Safety crime summit in the Mississippi Trade Mart at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds on Wednesday, June 8, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Members of the community, law enforcement, churches, businesses, community organizations, legislative officials, representatives of the judicial system and all those interested in fighting crime in Jackson are invited to attend. Those attending will have the opportunity to hear from statewide officials, county and city officials, and members of state and local law enforcement including representatives from the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office and the Jackson Police Department. In addition, Commissioner Gipson will give an update regarding plans to soon establish a multi-agency Crime Command Center in the historic Mississippi Guard Armory located on the Fairgrounds near the State Capitol and downtown office buildings.
The crime summit will begin with a general session followed by a time for participants to have the opportunity to discuss and share solutions for curbing crime in the capital city. The event is free to the public. Registration is required.
To register online or for more information on the Crime Summit, visit link.
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Pickle Fest
The Mississippi Ag Museum
June 11, 2022
3pm-8pm
The Mississippi Pickle Fest is a refreshing taste of all things fermented. This fun-filled festival is a day of music, games, contests, vendors and so much more. Pickle Fest is an outdoor event and will take place rain or shine! For more information, email msagmuseum@mdac.ms.gov.
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Summer Kick-Off
The Mississippi Farmers Market
June 18, 2022
8am-1pm
The Mississippi Farmers Market is hosting its annual Summer Kick-Off on Saturday, June 18, from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. In addition to the usual farm fresh foods and unique, handcrafted items, shoppers will be treated to complimentary popcorn, kid's activities, vendor giveaways and more! Shoppers can also shop the Genuine MS® Store, located inside the market, for a variety of products grown, raised, crafted and made in Mississsippi.
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Summer Day Camps at the Mississippi Ag Museum
The Mississippi Ag Museum
June 27-30 and July 18-21, 2022
Join us this year for summer day camp at the Ag Museum! Learn various aspects of designing and managing farmland, and discover ways to run a successful farm. For more information, contact Rachel Bone at rachel@mdac.ms.gov.
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4-H STEAM Day
June 28 at Mississippi State University.
This event is open to 4-H youth, ages 5-13 years old as of January 1, 2022. Each contest has a water theme (water conservation, water cycle, water and disease prevention, etc.). Contact your local Mississippi State University Extension Serivce agent for details about how to get involved in this event. Find your local Extension Office here.
Registration closes June 14, 2022.
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June is here and it’s National Dairy Month! Since 1939, National Dairy Month has encouraged families to make milk their beverage of choice based on its nutritional value. Dairy’s rich history continues with communities, companies and people from across the region observing National Dairy Month in a variety of ways.
In the Southeast, dairy farm families often open their gates to visitors for tours, while local fairs and festivals offer taste testing and events featuring delicious dairy products. This June, pay tribute to our dairy farmers across the state by supporting one of the many local dairy operations open to the public.
Find a Mississippi dairy farm near you here.
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And whether starting the day off right with a nutritious breakfast or ending the evening with a family dinner, try healthy dairy recipes this month!
For delicious recipes that the whole family will enjoy, visit www.thedairyalliance.com.
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The Mississippi Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
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The Genuine MS® Store is open
Thursday and Friday 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Saturdays 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
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To keep up with daily happenings follow all our social media accounts
| Mississippi Farmers Market | Mississippi State Fairgrounds | |
Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum | |
[601-359-1100] [121 N Jefferson St, Jackson, MS 39201] [https://www.mdac.ms.gov/] | | | | | | |
