MDAC STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Congratulations to MDAC’s own Gene Robertson, Deputy Director of our Bureau of Regulatory Services, for being named Chair-elect of the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) Board of Directors at this year's annual meeting in Tacoma, Washington. 

NCWM is a professional non-profit association of state and local weights and measures officials, federal agencies, manufacturers, retailers and consumers. NCWM has developed national weights and measures standards since 1905, and the organization works to keep pace with innovative advancements in the marketplace.

As Deputy Director of MDAC’s Bureau of Regulatory Services, which certifies and approves all weighing and measuring devices used in commerce, Gene Robertson assists with day-to-day operations. Robertson has been with the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce since 1993, and currently resides in Madison with his wife, Cyndie,

and their children.

We are proud of our staff and want to recognize Gene Robertson for

this achievement. Well done!

DIVISION SPOTLIGHT

Wild Hog Control Program

Director: Chris McDonald

Pictured L-R: Andy Gipson, Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce; Jack Robertson, Co-owner of Wildlife Dominion Management, LLC; Scott Breedlove, President of the Mississippi FFA Association; and Kade Bradshaw, FFA State Sentinel.

MISCELLANOUS NEWS

Ag Commissioner Andy Gipson Adresses Local Food Opportunities and Resources

Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson addressed local food opportunities and resources available to the public during a press conference held at the Mississippi Farmers Market. The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) currently offers several resources for finding local food and agricultural products.

Commissioner Gipson discussed seven ways consumers can find local products: 

• Search for local farmers markets near you at msfarmersmarket.com
• Find a local u-pick agritourism farm near you at msagritourism.org
• Farmers can register for free, and consumers can buy locally from farmers at msfarmmarketplace.com 
• Subscribe to the in-print and online bimonthly Mississippi Market Bulletin at msmarketbulletin.org 
• Shop the best of everything Grown, Raised, Crafted and Made at genuinems.com 
• Buy livestock on the hoof, and custom process or buy retail from any one of our several USDA processors. 
• Join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm location by purchasing an interest in farm produce and products, egg shares and herd shares. 

“Due to various supply chain disruptions and labor shortages around the nation, our agency recognizes the concerns facing Mississippians to provide for their families,” said Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson. “However, I want to assure our citizens that there is no reason to worry about any potential food shortages.” 

“Less than two percent of the American population are farmers,” continued Gipson. “That means that less than two percent of our nation is responsible for providing food, fiber and shelter to the remaining 98 percent. That's a tall order, and we should do all we can to support our farmers. Even with record-high gas prices, the fertilizer shortage and inflation, our Mississippi farmers and ranchers have not quit. They continue to provide in order to sustain our livelihoods during these difficult times.” 

The Mississippi Ag and Outdoor Expo Returns to the Mississippi State Fairgrounds!

Genuine MS® and the Ag Museum's Tasty Side of Agriculture at the MS Ag & Outdoor Expo

Come by the Genuine MS® Popup Store inside the Trade Mart during the 2022 Mississippi Agriculture and Outdoor Expo. Shop all things Grown, Raised, Crafted and Made in our great state!

Then stop by the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum's

Concession Stand and fill up on the 'Tasty Side of Agriculture' with all

the best food options!

Mississippi Moisture Meter Lab Moves Location

Director of MDAC's Fruits & Vegetables Inspection Division Participates in Educational Workshop

Kevin Riggin, Director of MDAC's Fruits and Vegetables Inspection Division, recently performed a mock inspection at an Organic Inspection Demonstration Workshop held at Fertile Ground Farms in Jackson, Miss.

The workshop, sponsored by The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture and Fertile Ground Farms, was designed to demonstrate the inspection process for organic farmers so those interested in becoming USDA Organic Certified producers will know what to expect. Since 1976, NCAT has provided relevant information, individualized technical assistance and in-depth resources to support sustainable agriculture and accessible energy solutions.

MDAC's Weights and Measures Division Holds Training for Inspectors

MDAC's Weights and Measures Division recently held a training session for inspectors at MDAC headquarters in Jackson, Miss. David Barnett, President of Michelli Weighing and Measurement of Jackson, was the keynote speaker addressing those in attendance. Barnett spoke on some of the changes taking place in the weights and measures community. Supervisor Greg Gholston was also on hand to bring the division up to date on all recent changes to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) handbooks.

Successful MS Timber Inbound Trade Mission and Showcase Results in Trade Agreements 

MDAC recently held a Mississippi Timber Inbound Trade Mission and Products Showcase, hosting timber representatives and buyers from five countries. In addition to logging tours, buyers held meetings with several Mississippi timber companies and major statewide shipping ports. 

This successful event ended with millions of dollars worth of trade agreements being reached to the benefit of Mississippi timber exporters. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Annual Mississippi State Fair

Mark your calendars for the upcoming 2022 Mississippi State Fair, to be held October 6-16 at the State Fairgrounds in Jackson. 

In addition to all your favorite rides and fair foods, as well as the famous MDAC Biscuit Booth, this year's State Fair will include brand-new exhibits and shows the whole family will enjoy! For more information and updates closer to Fair time, visit Mississippifairgrounds.com.

MDAC VISITS WITH MISSISSIPPI'S CATFISH FARMER OF THE YEAR

“Something that gets me every time, is when you first drop hatchlings into a pond. Twenty-one days. You’ve got about 21 days before you know if they’ve survived and will grow in their new environment. There’s nothing like the feeling of seeing those catfish hitting the surface after those 21 days and you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing you’ve done your job.”



– Andy Jones, Bear Creek Fisheries

Andy Jones, manager of Bear Creek Fisheries and 2022 Catfish Farmer of the Year, described the pivotal moment of every new cycle of channel catfish fingerlings that are introduced to one of the 104 ponds located on the family-owned farm in Moorhead, Miss. If the new hatchlings successfully acclimate to the ponds, they will rise to the surface to feed – usually after 21 days. From this time, Jones and his staff continue to raise these fish to the desired size and quantity of consumers, a labor-intensive process that lasts around 18 months.

In 20 years, Jones hopes to still be working at Bear Creek Fisheries, which he calls a “way of life.” Eventually, when he prepares to transition to a less hands-on position, he hopes to see his children working at the family operation as well, just as he started his career. 

Celebrate National Catfish Month this August by supporting our Mississippi Catfish farmers! Find locally produced, U.S. Farm Raised Catfish at genuinems.com, and find all the best

catfish recipes online at uscatfish.com. 

The Mississippi Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Genuine MS® Store is open

Thursday and Friday 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Saturdays 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum