June is National Dairy Month, and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce is celebrating our hardworking dairy producers all month long. In Mississippi, we currently have 55 Grade A dairy herds statewide, which encompasses 7,000 milk cows. Last year, Mississippi boasted of a $25 million value of production of milk alone.

Our dairy industry in Mississippi faces tremendous headwinds, just as the dairy industry faces nationwide. Within the last year, a dairy facility was closed in Hattiesburg. Various health department regulations can make it difficult for smaller producers to compete or enter alternative markets. So, as we enter another season of summer, this is an opportunity to show our support in Mississippi for our hardworking Mississippi dairy producers. I am encouraged by the dedication and perseverance of individuals within our ag community that I see every day. By supporting one another, we prosper our entire state.

That is why I encourage my fellow Mississippians to continue to support our farmers, ranchers and producers by shopping local. This month especially, I hope everyone shops for dairy products from local producers. 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: Investigator Alan Thompson, MALTB Director Dean Barnard and Investigator Leon Wedgeworth.

Congratulations to MDAC's own Alan Thompson and Leon Wedgeworth for being named this year's 'Top Cops!'

During National Police Week (May 14-20), the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce recognized two of our Mississippi Agriculture and Livestock Theft Bureau (MALTB) investigators. This year, MALTB Investigators Alan Thompson and and Leon Wedgeworth were awarded Top Cop in appreciation for their outstanding performance and leadership.

The Mississippi Agriculture and Livestock Theft Bureau enforces all state laws pertaining to the theft of cattle, horses, swine, poultry, fish, farm equipment, chemicals, timber and other farm or agriculture-related crimes. The Bureau consists of 11 investigators. The Bureau is also responsible for the investigation and prosecution of all persons who violate any of the laws administered by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce.

In addition to its law enforcement function, MALTB maintains registration of all livestock brands. Branding is not required for livestock in Mississippi. However, if livestock are branded, the brand must be registered. The brands are recorded for a five-year period at a cost of five dollars. Registered brands are published in book form and distributed to law enforcement members throughout the state.

Last fiscal year, MALTB investigated over 220 cases and recovered $604,750 worth of property. In addition, the Bureau also issued 1,640 brands which generates approximately $8,200 over a five year period.

DIVISION SPOTLIGHT

Mississippi Farmers Market

Manager: Patrick Duckworth

Assistant Manager: Jonathan McCraw

The Mississippi Legislature created the Mississippi Farmers Market to provide a facility for the efficient handling of farm products in the interest of the farmer, consumer, general public and the State of Mississippi. The Market, which falls under MDAC's Market Development Division, officially opened in 2006.

The 18,000-square foot facility serves as a central location for farmers, specialty food makers and local artisans to sell their agricultural goods and wares. The Market provides farmers with additional marketing opportunities, while increasing consumers' access to fruits, vegetables and other farm-raised products. The Mississippi Farmers Market is open on Saturdays year-round and Thursdays during the peak produce season.

The Mississippi Farmers Market participates in two USDA Farmers Market Nutrition Programs: the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. These programs provide assistance to eligible WIC participants and senior citizens to shop at the Market.

The Mississippi Farmers Market offers a cafe which provides breakfast and lunch six days a week. The Market also serves as the location of the Genuine MS® Store and is rented out for numerous private events throughout the year.

Last year, the Mississippi Farmers Market averaged 36 vendors per week, serving an estimated 20,000 shoppers. The Market is located at 929 High Street in Jackson.

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NOTEWORTHY NEWS

Statement from Ag Commissioner Andy Gipson on Proposed Plan to Mitigate Flooding in South Delta

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson gave the following statement regarding the announced plan to mitigate flooding in the South Delta.

"I am encouraged by the proposed water management solution presented today to mitigate flooding in the South Delta. The plan announced today is a positive step in the right direction. The construction of the much needed Yazoo Pumps will benefit our farmers and all citizens in the Yazoo Backwater Area of Mississippi, who have been impacted by flooding over the years devastating local economies and natural resources.

I want to thank the U.S. Department of Army, Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Department of the Interior for their swift action in developing this plan. I would also like to thank Senator Hyde-Smith and Senator Wicker for their leadership in keeping this issue on the forefront. I look forward to reviewing the final plan on June 30. The people of the South Delta have been and continue to be the leading voices for resolving these problems, and I encourage them to continue to make their voices heard as the project moves forward."

MDAC Announces 2023-2024 Mississippi Agriculture Youth Council Members

Carroll, Forrest, Hancock, Hinds, Jasper, Jones, Newton, Pontotoc, Quitman, Rankin, Simpson & Tippah Counties Represented

Recently, Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced the members of the 2023-2024 Mississippi Agriculture Youth Council.

The 14 high school seniors selected include Amelia and Ava DuBard of Carroll County; Delainey Walker of Forrest County; Claire Necaise of Hancock County; Dalton Barnes of Hinds County; Anna Laura Haden of Jasper County; Janna Claire Ishee of Jones County; Mary Ellen Moore of Newton County; Grace Randle and Kye Webb of Pontotoc County; William Walker of Quitman County; Jazabreun Spann of Rankin County; Ayden Wolken of Simpson County; and Byron Lopez of Tippah County. Members were chosen through an application process and were interviewed by a committee of representatives from the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC).

“I want to congratulate the fourteen student finalists who have been selected to serve on this year’s Mississippi Agriculture Youth Council,” said Commissioner Gipson. “Our agency began this youth council in 2021 to provide opportunities for our young people to make unique connections and learn about our state’s diverse agriculture industry. Since then, we have seen numerous students gain valuable experience, life skills and industry exposure before going on to further their education and acquire jobs in ag-related fields. These students are the future of our ag workforce, and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce is committed to supporting this next generation of leaders.”

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MDAC Launches New Online Resource for Mississippi Timber Industry

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced that the Mississippi Department of Agriculture of Commerce (MDAC) is launching a website dedicated to Mississippi timber. The site is now live and can be accessed at link.

“Our agency saw a need to create a useful, verified resource to promote Mississippi timber, which is one of our state’s largest industries,” said Commissioner Gipson. “Before, this kind of valuable information was not readily available. This timber website will be an asset to economic developers and logistics coordinators, as well as timber producers, sellers and buyers around the state. We hope everyone will use this one-of-a-kind tool and helpful resource.”

Forestry is Mississippi’s third largest industry, earning $1.3 billion in 2022. Currently, the state is home to 19,235,186 acres of forestland and provides 64,544 timber-related jobs.

MDAC’s new online portal:

Showcases Mississippi’s timber resources, including a general overview of the economic impact of timber to the state
Allows timber buyers, sellers and producers to complete a profile for inquiries for the buying or selling of timber
Includes a trade section featuring MDAC’s upcoming international inbound trade mission for 2024
Provides logistics information and an overview of the state’s infrastructure
Provides data, including a wealth of information in maps and tables showcasing Mississippi’s rich forestland

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Dates for the Upcoming 164th Mississippi State Fair Officially Announced

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced the dates for the 164th Mississippi State Fair. The upcoming 2023 State Fair will be held Thursday, October 5, through Sunday, October 15, at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds in Jackson.

“We’re excited to announce the dates for this year’s annual Mississippi State Fair,” said Commissioner Gipson. “Fairgoers can expect all their favorite rides, events, livestock shows, concerts and foods to be on display across the 105-acre grounds. Our staff is working tirelessly to ensure we have another safe and successful fair, with even more family-friendly attractions and nationally recognized artists.”

“We have been working very hard on the 164th State Fair,” said Michael Lasseter, director of the Mississippi State Fairgrounds. “We have new attractions and great entertainment, which we will be announcing soon. So mark your calendars for this annual, fun filled event coming in October!”

Additional details regarding concerts and special attractions will be forthcoming soon. Follow the Mississippi State Fairgrounds on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

U.S. Supreme Court Rules Against EPA's

WOTUS Rule

by: Ag Commissioner Andy Gipson

On May 25, 2023, a great victory was won for farmers, ranchers and landowners across America and here in Mississippi. On that day the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had overstepped its bounds, and that its interpretation of its powers went too far under the federal Clean Water Act. This ruling limited the scope of the term “wetlands” in response to Sackett v. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in which the Supreme Court sided with an Idaho couple who argued that their land was not subject to the Clean Water Act. This news is welcomed by all of us as farmers, the stewards of the land and the original conservationists.

The battle over the definition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) within the Clean Water Act has been ongoing for many years. Some of the prior interpretations applied by the EPA could have subjected all creeks and ditches to possible EPA regulation. Most recently, in 2015, the Obama Administration finalized a new and controversial WOTUS definition which was immediately challenged in the courts. That left the pre-2015 WOTUS rule in effect in 28 states, and the 2015 WOTUS rule was in effect in 22 states until April 2020. In 2020, the Trump Administration repealed and replaced the 2015 rule and released its definition of WOTUS within the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR). NWPR was supported by most agricultural organizations and stakeholders and was viewed as clear, understandable, implementable, and clarified federal authority under the Clean Water Act. Then again in 2023, the Biden Administration adopted a new “Revised Definition of ‘Waters of the United States’” rule. The adoption of this new rule replaced the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) and was viewed as premature by many since Sackett v. EPA was still pending in the court system.

As a result of the current Supreme Court ruling that limits EPA’s regulatory authority, agricultural organizations such as the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture and the American Farm Bureau Federation have called on the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to issue a revised version of the WOTUS rule. I too join in that request. Mississippi’s farmers, ranchers, and landowners want to protect our natural resources; however, we need regulations based in common sense that are clear, easily interpreted, and do not overreach regulatory authority. Wetlands should not include every creek on the farm and every wet spot in the pasture.

Mississippi Farmers Market Hosts Annual Summer Kick-Off; Extends Operating Hours

The Mississippi Farmers Market is extending its operating hours ahead of the annual Summer Kick-Off event. The market will be open each Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. throughout the summer. This is in addition to its year-round operating hours of Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

“The Mississippi Farmers Market will be open to the public on Thursdays, providing shoppers with fresh, seasonal produce directly from the farm,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson.

In conjunction with its extended summertime hours, the Mississippi Farmers Market successfully hosted the annual Summer Kick-Off on Saturday, June 3. Shoppers were treated to complimentary popcorn; children’s activities including face painting and games; food samples by Genuine MS® members; knife sharpening services by James Sharpening; free health screenings by the University of Mississippi Medical Center; prints available for purchase from local artist Gary Walters; and specialty ice cream, popsicles and other desserts available for purchase from the Farmers Market Café, Coffee Prose and Pearl River Tea Company.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mississippi State Fairgrounds Hosts Keath Killebrew Memorial Rodeo

The inaugural Keath Killebrew Memorial Rodeo, presented by the Killebrew Ag Foundation to benefit scholarships for aspiring young farmers, will be July 28-29 at the Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson.

The rodeo will feature a series of action-packed events such as bull riding, broncs, calf roping, barrel racing, and much more. Country music sensations and Mississippi natives Chapel Hart will perform as part of the festivities on opening night, while Drake Milligan will entertain on the closing night. Proceeds will benefit the Keath Killebrew Charisma Award Fund at the Community Foundation for Mississippi. Get your tickets now at link!

Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum

Hosts Annual Pickle Fest

The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum is hosting the annual Mississippi Pickle Fest from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2023. Admission is $12 for ages 3 and up.

In addition to the various exhibits and educational demonstrations offered on the grounds, visitors will enjoy live music, over 80 food and craft vendors, two water slides, a dunking booth, obstacle course, dry combo bounce house and jousting arena. Competitions such as the Pickle Eating Contest and Pickle Jar Packing Contest will take place during this event. The Children’s Barnyard and Small Town, Miss. will also be open.

This event is sponsored by the Mississippi Agricultural & Forestry Museum Foundation, Chick-fil-a Byram, Southern Beverage, Cathead Distillery, T-Mobile, and Visit Jackson.

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, June 13th!