The fall season is upon us, and it is one of my favorite times of year! The leaves are changing color, peanuts, pumpkins and sweet potatoes are being harvested, and the air is turning chilly – just in time for the annual Mississippi State Fair!

Hundreds of thousands of people flock to the capital city every year for this wonderful event. It is a massive undertaking, and I want to thank our entire fairgrounds staff for their tremendous work and continued efforts in making the State Fair a fun and family-friendly experience for all.

The Mississippi State Fair began as an agricultural exposition over 160 years ago, and agriculture remains the heartbeat of this event today. It's especially encouraging to me to see our young people, our 4-H and FFA students, compete in the livestock shows. The skills and work ethic they learn through these ag programs only makes Mississippi's future workforce stronger.

In addition to the livestock shows, equine exhibitions and rodeo competitions, fairgoers can expect all their favorite things about the State Fair. With over 100 food vendors, over 60 rides, 73 expo participants, nationally recognized artists and so many great acts and shows in between, there is something for all to enjoy.

And don't forget to stop by MDAC's famous Biscuit Booth for your very own fresh, buttermilk biscuit with Blackburn syrup. I hope to see you there!

MDAC DIVISION SPOTLIGHT

Mississippi State Fairgrounds

Director: Michael Lasseter

The Mississippi State Fairgrounds was placed under the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce in 2020. The Fairgrounds Complex covers over 105 acres and hosts more than 700 events per year. With various facilities for exhibitions, trade and consumer shows, you will find all the elements to make a truly successful event, along with Mississippi’s tradition of hospitality. The complex is an integral part of beautiful downtown Jackson, where the charm of the old and new South blends to form a modern city with a wealth of activities and cultural attractions. The Fairgrounds Complex is truly one of the South’s most inviting locations for practically any attraction or event.

The largest event held at the State Fairgrounds is the annual Mississippi State Fair. In 2023, over 520,000 people attended this event. According to VisitJackson, the estimated economic impact resulting from last year's fair was a whopping $30.8 million. Each year includes livestock shows, rides, fair foods, attractions, concerts and special events.

The 165th State Fair is officially underway and runs through October 14, 2024. Find admission tickets, concert tickets and ride wristbands online now at msstatefair.com!

MDAC STAFF SPOTLIGHTS

MDAC Inspectors Work Major Buying Points for Mississippi Peanuts

Peanut season is in full swing in south Mississippi! During this time, inspectors with MDAC's Fruits & Vegetables Division serve as the lead inspectors at the two buying points (for peanuts) located in the state.

Birdsong Peanuts in Prairie and Golden Peanut in New Augusta operate during the harvest season, and Federal State Inspection Service “graders” grade approximately 25,000 tons of peanuts harvested in Mississippi and beyond each year. Farmer Stock Peanuts must be inspected, and a grade issued per lot in order for the farmer to receive payment at the point of sale.

Several MDAC inspectors, including Tammy Allen (pictured), are certified Federal State Inspection Service graders.

MDAC's Williamson Speaks about Mississippi Timber at Separate Functions

MDAC's Timber Commerce Director Ginger Williamson spoke at the 50th Anniversary Conference for the Inland Rivers, Ports, and Terminals in Memphis, TN. Williamson shared about making global connections and how our Timber Division, supported by Mississippi ports, waterways, rail, trucking, MDOT, other state agencies and the private sector, have worked together as a team to put Mississippi's Timber Industry on the map.

The 2024 conference enjoyed the largest attendance in its history. Williamson made connections with several organizations who are eager to expand and develop more channels dedicated to moving wood products in the Southeastern United States.

Williamson also spoke to Ag Cluster Coordinator Wayne Boshart’s “Principles of Agricultural Marketing” class at Hinds Community College. She informed students on the importance of Mississippi's timber industry and shared the successes MDAC's Timber Commerce Division has accomplished in recent years.

Williamson was joined by Dean Josh Bower. Bower is the Dean of Agriculture and Transportation, as well as the Director of Talent, Workforce and Economic Development, at Hinds Community College.

MDAC's McCraw Speaks at Duvall Deckers Concrete Studio

Duvall Deckers Concrete Studio of Fondren routinely hosts a space for the community to gather and share ideas, stories and experiences. Last week, Jonathan McCraw, Manager of the Mississippi Farmers Market, was invited to speak on the contributions farmers markets make for their local communities.

McCraw gave a presentation about the Mississippi Farmers Market, located in Jackson. In addition to promoting market vendors, he informed guests on the variety of products offered at the market and the importance of shopping local and supporting our Mississippi producers.

The Mississippi Farmers Market, a division of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, is open 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Saturday. For additional information about the Mississippi Farmers Market, visit msfarmersmarket.com or follow the Mississippi Farmers Market on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

MDAC Welcomes New Staff in Multiple Divisions

MDAC is glad to welcome Nathan Benson to our Legal Division, as a staff attorney. Nathan graduated from Belhaven in 2005 and MC Law in 2022. He has previously worked at Hinds Community College, the Brandon Library and the Rankin County Youth Court.

Nathan is originally from Clinton, Mississippi, and currently resides in Byram with his wife, Clara.

MDAC's Bureau of Regulatory Services is proud to welcome Melissa Smith to the Meat Inspection Division. Melissa is from the Horn Lake area and has been assigned to serve as the inspector in charge at several meat plants in the area. This division provides inspection services to establishments that prepare meat and poultry food products for entry into intrastate commerce. In addition, the division inspects all establishments engaged in the slaughtering of food animals and poultry, except for those plants operating under federal inspection. The division also inspects the further processing of meat, poultry and other food products and their preparation for consumer items.

Also joining MDAC's Bureau of Regulatory Services is Kristie Houston. Kristie is from Jackson and is assigned to the Consumer Protection Division. This division serves to protect Mississippi consumers on a daily basis by enforcing retail food safety and sanitation laws and regulations, weights and measures standards, and food labeling requirements in retail food establishments such as convenience stores and grocery stores. MDAC's Consumer Protection Division conducts routine inspections of all retail food establishments throughout the state to ensure that food safety and sanitation regulations are being met. Kristie is assigned to Hinds and surrounding counties.

MDAC is excited to welcome Deana Hood as the agency's new Procurement Director. With 16 years of experience in state government, Deana’s knowledge and leadership will be pivotal in ensuring compliance around all functions of procurement, while implementing agency efficiencies. Deana currently resides in Brandon with her husband, Mike, and their two children.

Justin Nipper was recently named Deputy Director of the Mississippi State Fairgrounds. Justin has been the Marketing and Events Director at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum since 2020. During his time there, he oversaw eight annual events each year and successfully grew the Museum’s Pickle Fest from 2,700 to nearly 8,000 attendees. Under his leadership, the Pickle Fest was awarded Small Festival/Event of the Year by the Mississippi Tourism Association in 2022. He has also served on the board of the Metro Jackson Attraction Association for the past four years, holding positions as both Vice President and President. His dedication to creating memorable experiences also earned him Visit Jackson’s "Hometown Hero" award in 2022 and 2023 for Festival and Event Organizer.

A proud father of two young boys, Justin lives in Jackson. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Belhaven University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership. Justin now steps into his new role of Deputy Director of the Mississippi State Fairgrounds, bringing his expertise in event management and community leadership.

NOTEWORTHY NEWS

Ag Commissioner Gipson Cuts Ribbon to Mark Grand Opening of the 165th Mississippi State Fair; Reminds Fairgoers to "Know Before You Go"

The 165th Mississippi State Fair is officially underway and Commissioner Andy Gipson invites the public to attend and reminds fairgoers of several items to “Know Before You Go.” The State Fair takes place October 3-14, 2024, at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

Gate admission will be $10.00 per person and parking is FREE. Children aged 5 and under will be admitted free of charge. The public can purchase advance admission tickets, concert tickets and ride wristbands at link.
Fair admission is free every weekday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., except on Monday, October 14, Columbus Day.
Beginning at 9:00 p.m., any guest under the age of 18 seeking admission to the Fairgrounds must be accompanied by a legal adult (21 or older). Guests are encouraged to bring identification.
When entering the Midway, all guests will proceed through one of several entry security points utilizing a metal detector and/or be subject to magnetic wanding.
All bags are subject to search.
No outside food or beverage allowed.
No marketing, soliciting, political or vending items allowed unless and as authorized under Fairground regulations.
No animals (other than service animals or as authorized by Fair management for Fair activities), banners, fireworks/explosives or laser pointers allowed.

Ag Commissioner Andy Gipson Recognizes October as Mississippi Agritourism Month

Today, Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson held a press conference announcing October as Mississippi Agritourism Month at a local agritourism operation, Moseley Meadows Farm in Gluckstadt. Governor Tate Reeves recently signed a proclamation designating October as Agritourism Month.

Commissioner Gipson was joined by Benton Moseley, owner of Moseley Meadows Farm, and Stanley Wise, president of the Mississippi Agritourism Association, as well as several farmers from other agritourism operations around the state. Mississippi is currently home to 103 registered agritourism farms.

“Today, we are proud to promote the farmers and farm families that keep agritourism growing in Mississippi,” said Commissioner Gipson. “Not only do these farms have a positive impact on our ag industry, as they are still a producing enterprise, but they also build up Mississippi’s tourism industry. These venues provide the unique opportunity of introducing people who would not normally encounter this kind of lifestyle to a working farm. Agritourism operations provide an educational and fun experience for all ages to learn more about where our food, fiber and shelter comes from.”

MDAC Hosts New Freshly Picked Podcast Episode

This week, the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) released its latest Freshly Picked podcast. The fifth episode featuring growing seasons and favorite varieties includes special guests from Calhoun, Chickasaw and Choctaw Counties.

Sylvia Clark, co-owner of Clark Farms and the Tater Shed in Vardaman; Caleb Englert, president of the Mississippi Sweet Potato Council, vice president of the National Sweet Potato Council and owner of Englert Farms in Houston; and Aaron Stovall, owner of Dry Bottom Farms & Nursery in Weir, held conversations with Host Claude Nash on a number of topics. Listeners can hear their unique stories and much more on the “Orange You Glad It’s Harvest Season” episode, out now!

The Freshly Picked podcast series, developed by MDAC, will feature 24 episodes and include specialty crop farmers, experts, entrepreneurs and/or chefs as they tell the stories behind their farms, businesses and the unique products they offer. Listeners can find new episodes every Thursday through February 2025 at msfreshlypicked.com, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or other major platforms.

MALTB Recovers Stolen Ag Equipment, Make Arrest in Separate Investigations on Same Day

The Mississippi Agriculture and Livestock Theft Bureau (MALTB), the law enforcement division of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, recently assisted in the recovery of stolen agricultural equipment from two separate investigations. The recovered skid steer, valued at $135,000, was stolen from Hinds County and a truck and tractor with attachments, valued at a combined $113,000, were all stolen from a farm in Lincoln County.

The Hinds County Sheriff’s Office took the initial report of a stolen 2021 Kubota SVL97-2 skid steer Tuesday, September 24, 2024. On this same date, MALTB was asked to assist in the investigation of the theft. The skid steer was reportedly being used to clear timber off right-of-ways near Hwy 27 in Utica. The equipment was quickly located and recovered in a wooded area in rural Hinds County.

“The stolen skid steer in this case was located with the help of a concerned citizen making an anonymous call to the Mississippi Agriculture and Livestock Theft Bureau,” said MALTB Director Dean Barnard. “Calls like these help law enforcement officers combat crime in our communities and across our state. So, we want to encourage the public: if you see something, say something.”

On that same day, September 24, MALTB investigators assisted in the recovery of equipment in another case, and the subsequent arrest of a suspect...

UPCOMING EVENTS

MS Egg Marketing Board Hosts Senior American Day at the Mississippi State Fair

The Mississippi Egg Marketing Board is looking forward to providing muffins to our senior adults during Senior American Day at the Mississippi State Fair on Wednesday, October 9th. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. with entertainment provided by nationally recognized artist, Ronnie McDowell.

Senior American Day at the 2024 Mississippi State Fair will also include various health and informational booths, and surprise guest performances.

Egg Marketing Board Hosts 12th Annual Egg Bowl Tailgate Giveaway

The Mississippi Egg Marketing Board is hosting its 12th Annual "Egg Bowl Tailgate Giveaway." This giveaway consist of a grill package and 2 tickets to the Egg Bowl Football game between rivals Mississippi State and Ole Miss, on Friday, November 29, at 2:30 p.m. Entries for the contest will be accepted in person during the Mississippi State Fair at the Mississippi Egg Marketing Board's informational booth, located inside the Trade Mart for the State Fair Marketplace Expo. Participants must be 18 years of age or older to enter. The winner will be drawn and announced following the 2024 Mississippi State Fair.

Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum Hosts Annual Pumpkin Adventure

The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum invites the public to attend the annual Pumpkin Adventure October 9-12 and 16-19. The event will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on weekdays and from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

“The annual Pumpkin Adventure is a family-friendly event and the perfect outing this fall season,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson. “I encourage the families and individuals traveling to the capital city for the Mississippi State Fair in the coming days to also stop by the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum for even more wholesome fun, outdoor activities and agriculture-related entertainment.”

The Museum’s Pumpkin Adventure will include a hayride around the museum grounds and Small Town, Miss., a complimentary snack of cookies and milk, a self-guided tour of the Heritage Center Gallery; a visit to the farm animals located inside the Children’s Barnyard, a corn pit to play in, a straw maze and a small pumpkin of choice to take home. The General Store will also be open for visitors to shop for souvenirs and enjoy an old-fashioned Coca-Cola in a glass bottle.

Admission price for the annual Pumpkin Adventure is $10.00 per person for ages 1 and up. Concessions will be available for purchase on Saturdays during this event.

165th Mississippi State Fair

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW to the 165th #MSSTATEFAIR, which runs through October 14, 2024, at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds in Jackson! Find tickets, daily schedules and more info now at msstatefair.com. For more information, visit our website and follow the Mississippi State Fair on Facebook, Instagram and X.