The devastation of the tornadoes that wreaked havoc across Mississippi on the Friday night of March 24 will not soon be forgotten. The damage caused by the massive storm as it traveled west to east across the state was almost incomprehensible. My thoughts and prayers continue to go out to all who were impacted across the state from Rolling Fork to Amory. I want those impacted to know that your Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce stands by you.

This is a crucial time of year for our farmers as they enter planting season, and agriculture is the backbone of the communities that were hit. Many of our farmers suffered their own damage and losses from the tornadoes. The tornadoes caused damage to our agriculture infrastructure. We expect some disruptions with supplies and shipping as some ag input suppliers were damaged. The good news is our farmers are resilient when faced with adversity. No matter if it’s adversities caused by flooding, economic factors, pandemics or the recent tornadoes, our farmers remain strong. And, our farmers do not stop doing what it takes to put a crop in the ground so they can feed and clothe the world.

Mississippians are known for their resilience and willingness to jump in and help neighbors in their greatest time of need. And now more than ever, I encourage my fellow Mississippians to support each other during these difficult times and show your appreciation for our farmers as they continue to produce the goods we need to survive. 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

Pictured L-R: Theresa Love, Rachel Bone, Sarah Pair and Amie Clark.

Congratulations to several staff members with the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum for completing the National Association of Interpretation's Certified Interpretive Guide Training.

Theresa Love, Deputy Director of the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum; Rachel Bone, Education and Volunteer Coordinator; Sarah Pair, Director of Collections; and Amie Clark, Historical/Educational Interpreter, are all now considered nationally certified educational and historical interpreters.

These ladies participated in a 32-hour in-person training presented by the National Association of Interpretation. During the Certified Interpretive Guide training, our staff learned about the theoretical foundations of the interpretive profession as well as learning practical skills to deliver quality interpretive programming to visitors. We encourage the public to come visit the museum and participate in all the wonderful programs this team will implement.

The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum is a branch of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce. The museum is located at 1150 Lakeland Drive in Jackson and is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

msagmuseum.org

DIVISION SPOTLIGHT

Timber Commerce Division

Director: Ginger Williamson

Photo from recent meeting between Dominican Republic buyers and Mississippi timber producers. MDAC's own Ginger Williamson pictured far right.

The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce's (MDAC) Timber Commerce Division actively engages with state agencies and the private sector to promote the Mississippi timber industry internationally and domestically. The Timber Commerce Division works with experts on infrastructure, supply chain and transportation solutions to benefit the timber industry.

Last month, MDAC's Timber Commerce Division hosted representatives with the Bosquesa SRL company of the Dominican Republic for a second visit to Mississippi.

Following an international trade mission in June 2022, hosted by MDAC, Bosquesa SRL representatives chose to travel back to Mississippi on a timber buying trip. The 2022 Timber Inbound International Trade Mission and Mississippi Timber Products Showcase included representatives from five different nations and reported sales exceeding $7 million with additional anticipated sales of $6 million.

During their recent visit, the Dominican Republic buyers toured several timber mills and the Port of Pascagoula and participated in successful business meetings with Mississippi timber companies.

"It was such a pleasure working with this company," said Ginger Williamson, Director of MDAC's Timber Commerce Division. "We were delighted to once again host Bosquesa SRL of the Dominican Republic and we believe long-lasting, working relationships have been established with our Mississippi timber producers!"

NOTEWORTHY NEWS

Ag Commissioner Andy Gipson and MDAC Continue Efforts to Serve Storm Victims

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) continue efforts to serve Mississippians affected by recent storms.

“Our hearts go out to our fellow Mississippians who are hurting at this time,” said Commissioner Gipson. “Even so, our farmers will continue their important work in the midst of such adversity. Our farmers remain strong, and they will not stop doing what it takes to feed and clothe the world. Likewise, the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce will continue to stand with those impacted and provide support to these communities.”

Following the disastrous storms that damaged towns across the Delta and Northeast Mississippi on March 24, 2023, MDAC partnered with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to collect and organize donations for redistribution among storm victims in affected areas at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds.

Items such as bottled water, nonperishable foods, hygiene products, cleaning supplies and more were then transported to Rolling Fork and Amory during the week of March 26. In addition, MDAC’s Genuine MS® cooking team partnered with the Mississippi Egg Marketing Board, Cal-Maine Foods Inc., PECO Foods Inc. and Foam Packing to prepare and serve breakfast and lunch for 400 volunteers, first responders and displaced families in Silver City this week.

April Designated as Native Plant Month in

State of Mississippi

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson joined Governor Tate Reeves as he signed Senate Bill 2137 into law designating April as Mississippi Native Plant Month in order to preserve the heritage and importance of native plants for clean air, water and soil stability, and for related purposes. In addition, the bill charges the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce with promoting Mississippi Native Plant Month and educating the public on its importance.

“The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce is proud to be a part of this new law that designates April as Native Plant Month,” said Commissioner Gipson. “Most people may not realize the importance of native plants and the impact they have on our environment. Our agency will work to not only promote Mississippi Native Plant Month, but also educate the public on these crucial plants, such as our own native Southern Magnolia and a variety of native grasses and wildflowers that benefit Mississippi’s wildlife and natural beauty.”

During the month of April, the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce will be reaching out in an effort to see that all Mississippians learn and appreciate the importance and history of Mississippi's native plants and the many benefits they provide to pollinators, and to preserve Mississippi's biological heritage in aiding in the prevention of flooding and erosion and maintaining and preserving the health of Mississippi's economy and environment.

Inaugural Mississippi Hometown Rodeo Series Announced for 2023

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced the inaugural Mississippi Hometown Rodeo Series to be held beginning this spring of 2023. This series currently includes eight rodeos throughout the state beginning in April, with others to be added as details are finalized.

“The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce and Genuine MS® are proud to be a part of the Mississippi Hometown Rodeo Series,” said Commissioner Gipson. “Representatives from our Genuine MS® program will be on hand at each location promoting the best of everything grown, raised, crafted and made in Mississippi. I encourage everyone to come out to the rodeo for a night of great family entertainment and learn more about Genuine MS®.”

The current dates and locations for the Mississippi Hometown Rodeo Series are:

· April 14-15 – Macon, Miss.

· May 12-13 – Saltillo, Miss.

· May 20 – Forest, Miss. (Ranch Rodeo)

· July 4 – Natchez, Miss.

· July 28-29 – Jackson, Miss. (Keath Killebrew Memorial Rodeo)

· Sept. 22-23 – Horn Lake, Miss.

· October 6-7 – Kosciusko, Miss.

· November 10-11 – Satartia, Miss.

Additional rodeos can be added to the schedule. Those interested in details on how to bring a rodeo to their local community or those interested in being a sponsor of the series can contact (601) 953-6605.

MDAC Hosts Farmers Market Manager Workshop

Recently, the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) hosted a Farmers Market Manager Workshop at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum.

Seventeen farmers markets and organizations from around the state attended the workshop where they heard from experts in the field, reviewed current market metrics and data, and learned how to improve operations at their local farmers markets. Speakers included representatives with MDAC, Mississippi State Department of Health, Mississippi Department of Revenue, Big River Economic Agricultural Development Alliance (BREADA), Red Stick Farmers Market and Oxford Community Farmers Market.

MALTB Ongoing Investigation into Theft Ring in Tate and Panola Counties Lead to Multiple Arrests

An ongoing investigation led by agents with the Mississippi Agricultural and Livestock Theft Bureau (MALTB) resulted in the arrests of Gary “Bubba” Louis Mills, Jr., Melville Dewitt Curtis III and Kyle Joseph Siebenmorgen. Mills is charged with receiving stolen property in Tate and Panola counties, felony possession of methamphetamine in Tate County, and violation of the Mississippi Chop Shop Law. Curtis is charged with receiving stolen property in Tate and Panola counties. Siebenmorgen is charged with felony possession of methamphetamine in Panola County and has a felony warrant from Arkansas. Curtis has a Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) hold on him and will therefore remain incarcerated.

During the investigation, MALTB agents, with the assistance of the Tate County Sheriff’s Office, Panola County Sheriff’s Office, Hernando Police Department, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (MBN) and agents with the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), seized farm equipment and vehicles with an estimated value of $500,000. Some of the recovered items include: two combine headers with trailers, Kubota cab and air 4x4 tractor, 2023 Caterpillar excavator, Land Pride batwing bush hog, commercial fertilizer spreader, Koufman pintle hitch trailer, disk, spray tank with booms, Lincoln welder, fuel tanks, cultivator, 2022 3500 GMC Duramax Denali truck, Ford F250 crew cab truck, 1996 Ford flatbed truck, and a four door Can-Am Maverick.

“Our agents have worked diligently and tirelessly in collaboration with the Tate County Sheriff’s Office, Panola County Sheriff’s Office, Hernando Police Department, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the National Insurance Crime Bureau to identify suspects and recover stolen items in this theft ring. Furthermore, this case will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for the presentment to the grand jury,” said MALTB Director Dean Barnard.

Learn More

MALTB Investigators Complete MHP's Horsemanship Training Clinic

Recently, Investigator Jamie Laird with MDAC's Mississippi Agricultural and Livestock Theft Bureau (MALTB) received certification after completing the Mississippi Highway Patrol's Horsemanship Training Clinic.

Laird (pictured left) is the second investigator to receive this certification. Eric Johnson (pictured right), MALTB investigator for District 7, has also completed the Horsemanship Training Clinic.

MALTB is a branch of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce. The duties of the Mississippi Agricultural & Livestock Theft Bureau are to enforce all the laws of the State enacted for the purpose of preventing the theft of livestock, agricultural and aquacultural products and implements; to make investigations of violations thereof and to arrest persons committing these violations.

Cal-Maine Foods Donates Eggs to Help

Mississippi Families

Last week, Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., the nation’s largest producer and marketer of shell eggs, donated 129,600 eggs to the Mississippi Food Network. The donation will be made to help food insecure families in Mississippi.

Egg farmers across America are teaming up to feed families ahead of spring celebrations as part of a nationwide initiative led by the American Egg Board called Fighting Hunger by the Dozens. Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., in Ridgeland, Miss., is one of more than 20 farms participating in the initiative, which will provide 3 million eggs to food insecure individuals and families.

Those in need of nourishing food often struggle to find access to versatile, high-quality proteins. Eggs are a good source of protein, containing numerous vitamins and minerals needed for healthy living and are vital to meeting the daily nutritional needs of Americans. This donation will provide Mississippians with thousands of meals. In total, more than 250,000 dozen eggs will be donated by egg farmers across the country this spring – one of the largest total egg donations in history.

“Mississippi’s egg farmers are passionate about being good stewards and neighbors, which includes lending a helping hand, producing safe food, caring for our animals and protecting the environment for future generations,” said Sherman Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cal-Maine Foods. “Sharing eggs is especially important because we know that protein has great value to those who are hungry, and to the hunger relief organizations who serve them.”

Learn More

MDAC Celebrated National Ag Day at the Mississippi State Capitol

On March 21, 2023, Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce celebrated National Ag Day at the Mississippi State Capitol, featuring two cow milking contests! Governor Tate Reeves then signed a proclamation declaring Ag Day in the

state of Mississippi.

UPCOMING EVENTS

MDWFP AIMS State Championships to Be Held at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds

The Mississippi State Fairgrounds, a branch of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, will host the MDWFP AIMS State Championships Tournament Monday, April 17, through Saturday, April 22, inside the Kirk Fordice Equine Center.

Archery in Mississippi Schools (AIMS) is designed to introduce 4th-12th grade students to the sport of International-Style Target Archery during their Physical Education Class and as an extracurricular team sport. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is the driving force behind AIMS. The program, which began in 2005 with 10 schools, is now over 500 schools and in over 50 counties with more than 80,000 students participating each year. The growth of AIMS has followed the national trend of Archery being the fastest growing sport nationwide and statewide. Today, over 5,000 student archers compete annually in the AIMS State Championships. Mississippi students also rank at the highest levels in both National and International Archery competitions every year.

MS Egg Marketing Board Hosts Annual Easter Event at the Mississippi Ag & Forestry Museum

The Mississippi Egg Marketing Board is hosting its annual Easter at the Ag Museum event in Small Town at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum on Saturday, April 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Experience the family fun as children of all ages follow the tracks through the Museum’s “Bunny Trail” to collect candy and toy filled eggs in their baskets. Families will have the opportunity to dye and paint eggs; take a wagon, train or carousel ride; have their faces painted; visit with Mississippi Miss Hospitality Hannah Grace Crain; and get their picture with the Easter Bunny throughout the day. The Mississippi Beef Council will serve complimentary hotdogs to visitors, while they last. Additional sponsors include Cal-Maine Foods. Admission is $8 per person for ages 2 and up and includes carousel, train and wagon rides.

For your family Easter Celebration, enjoy the “Tasty Side of Agriculture” with smoked meats and holiday treats, including smoked hams and a variety of casseroles from the General Store. Those items, as well as pulled pork sandwiches and snacks, will be available for purchase the day of the event, and holiday meals can be pre-ordered for pick up.

Ag Museum's Interactive 'Uncle Story' Continues

to Make Monthly Appearance

The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum's Education Team has recently started a new initiative to teach children about the rich history of Mississippi agriculture with the engaging Uncle Story. Story Time with Uncle Story is an interactive event that will include an agriculture-related story, told by the loveable puppet Uncle Story, followed by a hands-on crafting time.

Uncle Story was recently featured at MPB's Summer Learning Family Fun Day and will make monthly appearances at the Mississippi Ag Museum on the second Tuesday of each month, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Check it out on Tuesday, April 11th!