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One of the true joys of Mississippi in the summertime is watermelon. Nothing quite compares to biting into a slice of perfectly ripe watermelon on a hot day. Whether you're enjoying it at a family picnic or a casual backyard barbecue, watermelon is the quintessential summer treat.
Another summer staple is our blueberries. These tiny berries are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They can be enjoyed fresh, tossed into a salad, blended into a smoothie, or baked into a mouthwatering pie. Visiting a local blueberry farm for a day of picking is a wonderful way to connect with nature and bring home a bounty of these delightful berries.
Mississippi's tomatoes are also at their peak during the summer months. From the deep red slicing tomatoes perfect for sandwiches to the colorful heirloom varieties that add a gourmet touch to any dish, these tomatoes are a testament to the state's agricultural bounty.
Don't forget the sweet corn, which is at its best during the height of summer. Grilled, boiled, or even raw, the golden kernels provide a burst of sweetness and a satisfying crunch. Corn on the cob is a staple at any summer gathering, and its versatility makes it a favorite for many.
Of course, the list of Mississippi's summer produce doesn't end there. Okra, cucumbers, peppers, and squash all make their appearance, each bringing its unique flavor to meals. Supporting local farmers and markets not only ensures that you get the freshest produce but also helps sustain our agricultural community.
This summer, I encourage you to explore the bounty of Mississippi produce. Whether you're visiting a farmers market, picking your own fruits, or simply enjoying the seasonal offerings at your local grocery store—take the time to savor the tastes and textures that make our state's produce so special.
Andy Gipson
Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce
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Produce Safety
Director: Kevin Riggin
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Pictured: MDAC staff members Tammy Allen and Brandon Thornton conduct a watermelon farm inspection. | |
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The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce’s Produce Safety Division implements the Produce Safety Rule in Mississippi. The Produce Safety Rule is composed of six key requirements and establishes mandatory science-based, minimum standards for the safe growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of fruits and vegetables grown for human consumption. These standards are designed to work effectively for food safety across the wide diversity of produce farms. The Division provides food safety assurance for consumers of fresh fruit and vegetables which are grown in Mississippi.
It also provides Outreach and On Farm Readiness Reviews to farmers prior to an operation having an inspection. The outreach team works to increase awareness of the Produce Safety Rule as well as help growers prepare their operations for compliance. Most outreach services, except for required trainings, are free to growers in Mississippi.
During fiscal year 2023, the Division processed, certified, or exempted 405 farms in the Produce Safety Program. Staff members promoted the Produce Safety Rule at more than 10 meetings and workshops statewide and developed publications for grower education.
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Mississippi Agriculture and Livestock Theft Bureau Director Receives "Top Cop" Award | |
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Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch and Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Shaun Tindell presented MALTB's Dean Barnard with the "Top Cop" award for his service with the Bureau.
Barnard has been involved in law enforcement for 40 years with 6 of those as serving as Director of MALTB. Before his work at MDAC, he retired from the Mississippi Highway Patrol after 31 years. During his time as Director, Barnard has made tireless efforts that have contributed to the success of the Bureau but has also made a huge impact on the agricultural community.
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Weights and Measures Staff Visits Montana for National Institute of Standards and Technology Training | |
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Supervisor for MDAC's Weights and Measures Division Greg Gholston visited Montana, at the invitation of the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Employment Standards Division, Weights & Measures Bureau to host a training for Montana livestock scale inspectors.
Gholston, a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) certified Train the Trainer, instructed inspectors in the methods for conducting livestock scale tests. Trainings similar to this one are funded by the National Conference on Weights and Measures, Associate Membership.
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MDAC Produce Safety Staff Conduct Inspection | |
Pictured (L-R): MDAC inspectors Tammy Allen, Davis Edwards, Supervisor Brandon Thornton, and Great Southern Farms owner Jennifer Edwards. | |
Members of MDAC's Produce Safety Division recently conducted a Produce Safety Inspection, which covers ready-to-eat commodities, at Great Southern Farms in Richton. Great Southern Farms, a Genuine MS® program member, is a family-owned farm specializing in blueberries. | |
The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum Receives Award for its Fortenberry-Parkman Farmstead Programming | |
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The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum is the recipient of the “Excellence in Stewardship of Historic Sites” award for the Fortenberry-Parkman Farmstead. This award is given by The Mississippi Heritage Trust organization, a statewide organization. This category is reserved for historic sites that exhibit, “sustained excellence in preservation, management, and interpretation.”
In 2023, the Fortenberry-Parkman Farmstead hosted living historians from around the country to present programming, monthly presentations offered by the museum education department, and the birth of many new farm animals.
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MDAC Weights and Measures Division Purchases New Testing Trucks | |
Pictured (L-R): Weights and Measures Division Director Brent Bowman, Fleet Manager Dewayne Cochran, Bureau of Regulatory Services Director Jennifer Thompson, Deputy Commissioner Hayes Patrick, and Direct Auto CDJR Forest Andy Smith. | |
The Weights and Measures Division recently took delivery of three replacement chassis cab pickup trucks. The trucks will be fitted with a work body that will house 4,000 pounds of weights and will be used for testing platform scales, forklift scales, bench scales, and precision scales. These scales are typically found at co-ops for dispensing bulk fertilizer, shipping centers and jewelry or pawn shops. Testing of scales used in commerce is important in ensuring that customers get exactly what they pay for. | |
MDAC Hosts Inbound Timber Trade Mission | |
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This week, the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) and the Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA) hosted an inbound trade mission with timber buyers from the Dominican Republic, Great Britain, Mexico, Poland, Spain and Vietnam.
“The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce was honored to partner with SUSTA to host a second Timber Trade Mission showcasing Mississippi’s third largest agricultural industry,” said Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson. “Timber is the leading agricultural commodity in over half of the counties in the state, with a value of production of $1.48 billion in 2023. Export markets for Mississippi wood products continue to grow, and trade missions like this are instrumental in developing new international trade opportunities.”
The first Timber Trade Mission hosted by MDAC and SUSTA in 2022 resulted in millions of dollars in exports for the state of Mississippi. The 2024 trade delegation toured Rutland Lumber in Collins, Hood Industries in Silver Creek and REX Lumber in Brookhaven before attending the Mississippi Timber Products Showcase at the Mississippi Trade Mart. During a follow-up showcase, these international trade delegates held business to business meetings and visited with six Mississippi timber companies from around the state, including Hardwoods of America, Hood Industries, LandMAX Properties, REX Lumber, Rutland Lumber and Southeastern Timber Products.
MDAC provided the visiting timber buyers with an exclusive look into Mississippi sawmills and the unique process of making diverse wood products ready for export. The tours included demonstrations and in-depth talks on utilizing every part of our state’s hardwoods and southern yellow pine softwoods, which exhibited the extensive capacity and sustainability of Mississippi timber.
Visit https://timber.mdac.ms.gov to learn more about the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce’s Timber Commerce Division.
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Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum Hosted 2024 Mississippi Pickle Fest | |
The Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum's 2024 Pickle Fest brought in a huge crowd with over 125 vendors, a kids area, live music, food trucks, and pickle-themed treats! Final attendance numbers are being determined but it is estimated over 6,000 people attended the event. | |
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Eligible Senior Citizens Can Apply to Receive Benefits for Shopping at Farmers Markets
Farmers Markets in 27 Counties Participating in Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
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The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce is providing income-eligible senior citizens access to healthier foods through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). The SFMNP provides benefits in the form of a benefit card valued at $50 that can be used at authorized farmers markets in twenty-seven counties for the purchase of locally grown fruits, vegetables and honey. Program information including program criteria and how to apply for and redeem the benefit card can be found on the Farmers Market Nutrition Program webpage. Senior citizens that applied online and received benefits in 2023 must reapply online in order to receive benefits in 2024.
“The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is a win-win for both our senior citizens and farmers. This program increases access of locally grown produce and honey for income eligible senior citizens while opening marketing opportunities for farmers,” said Commissioner Gipson. “I encourage eligible seniors to visit our website and submit an application in order to take advantage of this program.”
For the year 2024, program benefits can be redeemed at authorized and participating farmers market locations in the following counties: Adams, Attala, Benton, Carroll, Clay, Desoto, Forrest, Harrison, Hinds, Holmes, Jackson, Lafayette, Leake, Leflore, Lincoln, Lowndes, Montgomery, Neshoba, Newton, Oktibbeha, Panola, Pike, Pontotoc, Tate, Walthall, Washington, and Webster.
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is federally funded by the United States Department of Agriculture. This program has limited funding, and food benefits are available on a first-come, first-serve basis until available funds are committed.
For questions regarding MDAC’s Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Application, contact Purvie Green at (601) 576-FMNP or FMNP_SeniorsApp@mdac.ms.gov. Farmers interested in becoming authorized to accept the benefit cards at participating farmers markets, contact the market managers of the authorized farmers market locations listed on MDAC’s website.
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Commissioner Gipson Attends Hattiesburg Meat Market Ribbon Cutting | |
Commissioner Gipson assisted with the ribbon cutting for MS Farmers Meats in Hattiesburg. The store offers a variety of beef, lamb, and goat products along with several Genuine MS® items. | |
Community Partners Assist the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum in Updating its Garden
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The construction class at Hinds Community College, Rankin campus built a pergola in the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum's garden area. The Garden Clubs of Mississippi also assisted with the beautification of the museum garden.
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MALTB Investigators Recover Stolen Equipment in Pearl River County and Horses in Scott County | |
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On May 14, 2024, the Mississippi Agriculture and Livestock Theft Bureau (MALTB) recovered a stolen excavator in Pearl River County.
The 2017 John Deere 50G excavator was stolen in Alabama in 2021. The property was valued at $50,000 when it was stolen. The MALTB received a tip that led investigators to Pearl River County, Mississippi where the excavator was recovered.
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MALTB also recovered two stolen horses, with an estimated value of $11,000, in Scott County on Friday, April 19, 2024. This investigation led to the arrests of Tyrese Walton, Quentonio Odom and Charles Gatewood.
The initial report was taken by the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, stating two horses were stolen from Scott County at the end of March. The MALTB was then notified on April 4.
The owner of the stolen horses posted on social media asking for the return of his horses. This social media post led to the victim receiving two phone calls regarding the location of his horses. The victim notified MALTB investigators of the information he received. Following the social media tip, investigators were able to question suspects and gather additional information on the whereabouts of the location of the horses.
When the horses were found, one of them had a brand that was attempted to be burned off. After further investigation, it was learned to be Quentonio Odom who was responsible for the burnt brand.
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Mississippi Farmers Market Rings in Produce Season with its Annual Summer Kick-Off | |
The Mississippi Farmers Market will host its annual Summer Kick-Off June 15, 2024, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 929 High Street in Jackson, MS! The market will feature an antique car display in the market parking lot, blueberry lemonade beverages from Genuine MS® Member J&D Blueberry Farm, gourmet popsicles and other summer-themed items from the market’s weekly vendor lineup. | |
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The Mississippi Farmers Market is open
Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
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The Genuine MS® Store is open
Tuesday through Friday 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Saturdays 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
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To keep up with daily happenings follow all our social media accounts
| Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce | 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/] | | | | | |
