This holiday season, the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) is working overtime to serve all citizens of our great state. From ensuring consumers get what they pay for when shopping for special holiday foods and gassing up for long road trips to providing detailed information on local Christmas tree farms and farmers markets across the state, MDAC never stops serving our fellow man.

Mississippi is home to 32 Christmas tree farms. Every year, Mississippi’s Christmas tree farms grow thousands of Christmas trees, from the popular Leyland cypress to the Eastern redcedar. These farms provide a festive atmosphere where families create fond memories and start family traditions. Buying from one of Mississippi’s Christmas tree farms means you’re supporting the local economy and the environment. This December, MDAC is proud to recognize our Christmas tree farms and agritourism operations, and we want to highlight these producers. Continue to read below for more information and where to find a Christmas tree farm near you!

I encourage everyone to continue to support our farmers, and particularly our Christmas tree farmers, this month 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.

Andy Gipson

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce

MDAC STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Congratulations to MDAC’s own Gayle C. Clark, Director of the

Agriculture Workforce Education, Outreach and Development Division,

for earning her doctorate degree.

Clark successfully completed the requirements for a doctorate degree

in Agricultural Education, Leadership and Communications from the

School of Human Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

at Mississippi State University.

She will be awarded her degree at the fall 2022 Doctoral Graduation and Hooding Ceremony for Ph.D. graduates this month, and plans to continue her work at MDAC. Clark has been with the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce since 2019 and currently resides in Brandon.

We are proud of our staff and want to recognize Gayle Clark

for this achievement. Well done!

DIVISION SPOTLIGHT

Consumer Protection Division

Director: Henri Fuselier

MDAC's Consumer Protection Division provides a vital service to Mississippi consumers every day, which becomes especially evident

during the holiday season.

Since its establishment in 1973, the Consumer Protection Division

is charged with 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.

The Division’s inspectors routinely inspect labeling on select products, examine meat market sanitation, ensure food is stored at appropriate temperatures, confirm the availability of hot water and soap in restrooms, and monitor stores to ensure the absence of insects and rodents. They also ensure consumers receive the quantity of the goods they pay for by testing scales and UPC pricing for accuracy to make sure the consumer is not being overcharged or undersold when purchasing a product.

Last fiscal year alone, MDAC's Consumer Protection Division conducted over 4,500 total inspections of businesses statewide, including 5,858 retail scale inspections, 2,772 retail food sanitation inspections, 28,827 items for net weight, 2,772 disposition of garbage inspections, and 1,363 UPC price verification inspections.

So, this holiday shopping season, Mississippians can rest assured that MDAC will continue to protect their interests by ensuring food quality, safety, and fairness in addition to equity in the marketplace. Thank

your local Consumer Protection Division inspector today!

If you suspect a problem during your holiday shopping, please contact MDAC's Consumer Protection Division at 601-359-1148.

NOTEWORTHY NEWS

Mississippi Agricultural & Livestock Bureau Continues to Protect and Serve the Ag Community

by: Ag Commissioner Andy Gipson

For farmers and ranchers, their equipment and commodities are their livelihoods, and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce’s Mississippi Agricultural & Livestock Theft Bureau (MALTB) aims to protect and serve our agriculture community and their belongings. The MALTB enforces the laws of the State in preventing the theft of livestock, agricultural, and aquacultural products. In addition, the Bureau enforces transportation laws of livestock and also handles the registration of all livestock brands in the State.

The MALTB has 11 investigators across the state to investigate agricultural related crimes. MALTB investigators are often called upon by local law enforcement to assist with investigations. The most common cases investigated by the Bureau involve livestock theft, the shooting of livestock, timber theft, farm equipment theft, saddle and tack theft, and agricultural chemical theft.

The MALTB investigators stay busy helping our Mississippi farmers, ranchers and landowners. This past fiscal year, the Bureau investigated 222 cases with a reported value of $1,215,838 and recovered $604,750 in stolen property. In the past two months, the MALTB has made multiple arrests in various theft cases. I commend Director Dean Barnard, our Ag Theft investigators, and local law enforcement officials for their efforts in these ongoing investigations.

To read more about these latest cases and ongoing investigations, visit Yalobusha and Panola Counties investigation and Sunflower County investigation. To report or provide information regarding an agricultural crime, call (800) 678-2660.

Ag Commissioner Andy Gipson Announces New

Local Foods Initiative Between Mississippi Farmers and Food Banks

Recently, Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced a new local food initiative between Mississippi farmers and food banks at the Mississippi Food Network in Jackson. Commissioner Gipson was joined by Dr. Charles Beady, Jr., CEO of the Mississippi Food Network; Michael Ledger, CEO and President of Feeding the Gulf Coast; and Cathy Pope, CEO and President of Mid-South Food Bank.

The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) was awarded $2.82 million through a Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement with United States Department of Agriculture. Through this initiative, food will be procured from local farmers and food producers, including socially disadvantaged farmers and processors, and distributed to underserved communities throughout the state. MDAC is partnering with the Mississippi Food Network, Feeding the Gulf Coast and Mid-South Food Bank, three Feeding America affiliated food banks, to procure and distribute the local food through their networks of existing and new agency partners.

MDAC is developing a directory of local farmers and food processors for the food banks to utilize to find local Mississippi food products. Commissioner Gipson encourages farmers and other food producers and processors that are interested in potentially marketing their products through this program to visit mdac.ms.gov/msfp to register their farm or business in the directory. Types of eligible food items include, but are not limited to, fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, meat products, rice, eggs, value-added processed foods and beverages.

“MDAC is proud to partner with the three Feeding America affiliated food banks in our great state – Mississippi Food Network, Feeding the Gulf Coast and Mid-South Food Bank,” said Commissioner Gipson. “This unique partnership allows us to support our local Mississippi farmers and food producers, while benefitting people in need throughout underserved communities in Mississippi. This initiative is just the beginning of a long-term partnership that will last well beyond this initial round of funding as it will continue to grow and expand marketing opportunities for producers statewide. I encourage our Mississippi farmers and food producers interested in potentially marketing products through this program to go online and register to be included in the local food source directory.”

View Press Conference

USDA to Collect Final 2022 Crop Production

and Crop Stocks Data

As the 2022 growing season officially comes to an end, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will contact producers nationwide to gather final year-end crop production numbers and the amount of grain and oilseeds they have stored on their farms. At the same time, NASS will survey grain facility operators to determine December 1 grain and oilseed stocks.

“These surveys are the basis for the official USDA estimates of production and harvested acres of all major agricultural commodities in the United States and December 1 grain and oilseed supplies,” said Mississippi State Statistician Esmerelda Dickson. “Data from the survey will benefit farmers and processors by providing timely and accurate information to help them make critical year-end business decisions and begin planning for the next growing and marketing season.”

NASS will analyze the survey information and publish the data in a series of USDA reports, including the Crop Production Annual Summary and quarterly Grain Stocks reports, both scheduled for release on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2023.

If a survey recipient had not responded by November 29th, NASS may reach out to schedule an interview to collect the information. As with all NASS surveys, information provided by respondents is kept confidential, as required by federal law. The information is used for statistical purposes only and will not be disclosed in identifiable form. All NASS reports are available online at nass.usda.gov. For more information, call the NASS Delta Regional Field Office at (800) 327-2970.

It is also time once again for USDA-NASS to conduct the 2022 Census of Agriculture, which is done every 5 years. The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. Even small plots of land – whether rural or urban – count if $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the census year. Census mailouts started last week!! Most of the farmers and ranchers across our nation will receive their forms in late November to December. The response deadline

is Monday, February 6.

MDAC Releases First-Ever Book on the Unique and Meaningful History of the State Agency

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce is releasing the first-ever book on the unique and meaningful history of the state agency.

The history of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce is as rich as Mississippi’s soil and as important as the state’s leading industry itself – agriculture. Now, for the first time in its 116 years of serving the state of Mississippi and the public, MDAC is proud to release a book on the complete history of the state agency.

“It’s interesting to look back over the years and see how our predecessors were facing the same problems back then as we find ourselves facing today,” said Commissioner Gipson. “As our agency touches the daily lives of Mississippians through our various services, there is something educational and interesting for everyone to learn in this book. We currently have a limited number of books available, so I would encourage everyone that is interested in learning how the agency and agriculture has changed over the years to check out this one-of-a-kind publication.”

Special paperback editions signed by Commissioner Andy Gipson are available for purchase for $25.00 including shipping in the continental U.S. Find order forms and more information now at mdac.ms.gov/history.

Mississippi State Fairgrounds Announces Lineup for 58th Annual Dixie National Rodeo

Tickets On Sale Now!

Tickets for the 58th Annual Dixie National Rodeo are now on sale. The Dixie National Rodeo takes place Friday, February 10, through Sunday, February 12, and Wednesday, February 15, through Saturday, February 18, in the Mississippi Coliseum.

“The Mississippi State Fairgrounds is gearing up for another exciting Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo,” said Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson. “The Dixie National Rodeo, the ‘Greatest Show on Dirt,’ is one event that you will not want to miss. Bring your family and enjoy this ‘something-for-everyone’ event, as cowboys and cowgirls from across the country converge for this rodeo competition. I encourage everyone to get their tickets now for the 2023 Dixie National Rodeo.”

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

The Dixie National Rodeo, produced by Harper & Morgan Rodeo, is the largest professional rodeo east of the Mississippi River. Tickets to the Rodeo can be purchased at the Coliseum Box Office or online at Ticketmaster.com.

The 2023 Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo will run January 6 to February 19, 2023. In addition to the rodeo, this six-week event features multiple equine and livestock shows, the Sale of Junior Champions, the Mississippi Ag and Outdoor Expo, Rodeo Days Expo, the Dixie National Steakhouse and the Dixie National Parade.

MDAC Staff Represent the Ag Industry at Multiple Functions Around the State

Members of MDAC's Agriculture Workforce Education, Outreach and Development Division recently represented the Agriculture Industry at the Pathways 2 Possibilities Career Fair in Biloxi at the Gulf Coast Convention Center. More than 7,000 eighth grade students from coastal counties visited the expo to explore career possibilities in a multitude of pathways. Staff engaged with students through a “Growing Your Future” activity where they started their first agricultural crop with a bag of soil and seeds to take home.

In addition, several MDAC staff members attended the first annual Ag Day at MSU Football in Starkville. The Genuine MS® Cooking team fried catfish and chicken in this collaborative effort to bring awareness of the #1 industry in Mississippi at the MSU vs. Auburn football game on November 3. It is estimated that 300-500 people visited the tailgate to enjoy catfish, chicken, sweet potato pies, pecans, MSU ice cream and other goodies. The day was sponsored by MS Land Bank, Southern AgCredit, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Mississippi Poultry Association, Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association, MS Sweet Potato Council, MS Egg Marketing Board, Indianola Pecan Company, PECO Foods and MDAC's Genuine MS® Program.

MDAC Staff Attend "Meet the Firms" Job Fair

at Belhaven University

MDAC's Bureau of Regulatory Services Director Jennifer Thompson and Human Resources Director Shelley McGraw recently attended Belhaven University’s “Meet the Firms” job fair, hosted by the School of Business.

The event included a panel discussion where students could ask questions of potential employers and the job fair provided a one-on-one opportunity for potential employers to visit individually with Accounting, Finance and Business students who will soon be graduating from the University.

MDAC's Genuine MS® Store Expands

Operating Hours

The Genuine MS® Store, located inside of the Mississippi Farmers Market in downtown Jackson, is open to the public. The unique retail operation, which offers an array of products grown, raised, crafted and made in Mississippi, has extended its operating hours this holiday season. The Genuine MS® Store is now open every 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.

With items ranging from natural skincare products and custom-made leather goods to specialty foods and handmade pottery, and much more in between, the Genuine MS® Store is the perfect one-stop shop for you to grab all your holiday gifts this year! Visit www.genuinems.com to shop exclusive online holiday gift options and learn more about the Genuine MS® program.

Shop Now!

MDAC Would Like to Wish Everyone a Very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

UPCOMING EVENTS

The 58th Dixie National Livestock Show & Rodeo

dixienational.org

Annual Merry Market Event to Be Held at Mississippi Farmers Market

The Mississippi Farmers Market will host its annual Merry Market event, Saturday, December 3, from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in downtown Jackson.

In addition to the usual variety of farm fresh foods and handcrafted items, shoppers can expect a special appearance and photo opportunity with Santa Claus from 9:00 a.m. to noon; vendor giveaways; children’s activities including decorating and coloring Christmas ornaments and writing wish-list letters to Santa; complimentary hot chocolate, apple cider and popcorn; specialty holiday-inspired foods, evergreen wreaths and other products available for purchase from vendors; and the Genuine MS® Store, located inside the Mississippi Farmers Market, will hold an open house. The Genuine MS® Store is a unique retail operation that offers an array of products grown, raised, crafted and made in Mississippi. In addition, the open house will include tasty treats and samples, as well as special holiday discounts on select products.

Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Celebrating 100 Years at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds

The Mississippi State Fairgrounds, a division of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC), will be the host location for the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation's (MFBF) annual convention as the organization celebrates its 100th anniversary. The event will be held this weekend, from Friday, December 2, until Monday, December 5, 2022.

MFBF will celebrate 100 years of faith, family and Farm Bureau during a multi-day event, which includes livestock shows, a trade show and a concert with headliner Trace Adkins. The livestock shows, featuring swine and cattle exhibitions, will be held Friday, December 2, through Sunday, December 4. The Mississippi Farm and Land Expo will showcase the latest technical information, products and innovation representing every phase of Mississippi agriculture with more than 150 exhibits inside the Mississippi Trade Mart, beginning Friday, December 2, and running through Sunday, December 4. MDAC’s own Genuine MS® Store will participate as a vendor in the trade show and visitors can expect an array of products all grown, raised, crafted and made in Mississippi. The concert will headline country music artist Trace Adkins with special appearances by Clay Walker and Drake White. The concert will be held inside the Mississippi Coliseum on Saturday, December 3, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com.

MFBF serves as the largest general farm organization in Mississippi, providing a unified voice for farmers, ranchers and rural Mississippians. Over the years, MDAC and the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation have enjoyed a longstanding relationship, partnering often on various agriculture initiatives. For more information and a complete schedule of the MFBF’s 100th Anniversary events, visit www.msfb100.org.

Annual Homestead for the Holidays 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 Homestead for the Holidays event on Thursday, December 8, and Friday, December 9, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Admission is $8 per person for ages 3 and up.

Enjoy a sampler breakfast for supper, storytime with Mrs. Claus, and a photo opportunity with Santa and Rudolph. Take a stroll through Small Town and see various agricultural demonstrations, visit the Fortenberry-Parkman Farmstead and experience Christmas during the early 1920s. Carousel, train and wagon rides will be available as well as hands-on historic crafts and live music throughout the grounds. Make sure to write a letter to Santa on one of our limited-edition postcards, printed in the Small Town Print Shop, and stop by the General Store for an old fashioned glass bottle drink and browse the wares and unique Mississippi-made products that make great gifts and stocking stuffers.

Homestead for the Holidays is sponsored in part by the Mississippi Egg Marketing Board, the Mississippi Beef Council, Cal-Maine Foods Inc., Mississippi Loggers Association and the Dairy Alliance. For more information, visit msagmuseum.org.