Voice of Mississippi Agriculture

Mississippi’s next generation of agricultural leaders came together for a weekend focused on connection, leadership development and investing in the future of farming during the annual Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Orientation Weekend.

The event kicked off with a golf tournament that serves a greater purpose—raising scholarship funds to support students pursuing degrees in agriculture.

“They’ve had this going on for a long time where the Young Farmers and Ranchers State Committee has taken up giving scholarships and a huge part of the money we collect goes back to those scholarships,” said Mike McCormick, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation president.

It’s more than a fundraiser—it’s a commitment to the next generation.

“With our relationship with Mississippi Farm Bureau, it’s just natural that we support their efforts with Mississippi young farmers because we all know the importance of helping young farmers stay in business and continue growing into the business,” said John Sport, First South Farm Credit, Vice President and Young Beginning and Small Farmers Director. “And we’re just glad to be a part of anything that can support those guys and gals out there in the farming business.”

The weekend also marked a transition point for the YF&R State Committee, as new members gathered for orientation alongside returning leaders. For 2026 Committee Chairperson Sarah Clark, the moment is both reflective and forward-looking.

“This is a really fun opportunity thinking about the bond that has been created and the excitement and anticipation of those that are going to be coming on as first years,” Clark said. “We’ve got the golf tournament and then orientation where we’ll welcome our next round of state committee members.”

As the weekend progressed, introductions quickly turned into meaningful connections.

Gentry and Sarah Clark Jack and Joanna Jameson Reid and Emily Carter

“You meet people from all across the state that are in all different facets of agriculture,” Clark said. “Being able to call somebody when you have a question is just a priceless connection to have, and a lot of that is credited to this program.”

For participants like Clay County farmer Jack Jameson, those connections are what make the program so valuable.

“Networking, meeting people. There’s always somebody I can call if I need something that’s ag-related,” Jameson said. “Everybody has become really good friends in a short period of time.”

His wife, Joanna Jameson, echoed the importance of those relationships, especially for farmers who may feel isolated.

“I do feel like there’s strength in numbers. I’ve made a lot of networks, friends in all different areas in the state,” she said.

That sense of community is essential in agriculture’s aging operators and producers. These young leaders emphasized the urgency of investing in younger farmers and ranchers.

“Farmers are getting older. It’s really imperative that we go out and find these young people to bring them into Farm Bureau,” McCormick said.

First year committee member, Reid Carter of Sharkey County said the opportunity to connect with peers facing similar challenges is critical.

“Having like-minded individuals that we can build relationships with and bounce ideas off of is always beneficial,” Carter said.

Beyond networking, the program encourages participants to step into leadership roles that strengthen agriculture at every level.

“The more you’re involved, the more you’re going to be able to go out and represent young farmers and ranchers. It’s good to be that voice,” Clark said.

That call to leadership resonates with new members.

“It really makes you think, if I have the opportunity I do need to step up,” Jameson said. “Everybody has to step up.”

Through hands-on experiences, leadership training and relationship-building, the YF&R program equips participants to advocate for agriculture locally, statewide and nationally.

“When their voice is hooked together… we have such a powerful voice that we’re hard to ignore in Jackson and in Washington, D.C.,” McCormick said.

While the weekend is filled with activities and learning opportunities, its lasting impact lies in the relationships formed.

“The biggest thing this program does is build relationships that they will have for the rest of their life,” McCormick said.

From one weekend of connection grows a lifetime of leadership—ensuring Mississippi agriculture remains strong for generations to come.