Conservation Pocketbook

In the ever-changing world of production agriculture, conservation programs have begun to play a major role in agricultural production practices. Conservation programs help producers conserve and improve the environment in which they are working. Mississippi Farm Bureau realizes the need for producers to utilize these programs. To address these needs, Farm Bureau has put together a pocketbook that includes all major conservation programs. There is also a list of county offices of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). A .pdf version of this pocketbook can be downloaded here or if you wish to have a pocket-size copy, contact Andy Whittington at 601-977-4238.

Natural Resource-Based Enterprises

As the downturn in the national and state economy continues to adversely impact agricultural commodity prices, traditional row crop and livestock producers may be forced to seek out additional sources of income to sustain their farming operation. These additional sources of income may just be located within the confines of your property boundaries.

Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) is part of the Mississippi State University Sustainable Natural Resource-Based Enterprises Advisory Committee. We are working to develop and implement a research-based education program that assist landowners in making informed decisions regarding opportunities to sustain, manage, and market natural resource-based products, services, and access to improve their chance of achieving greater economic stability and profitability.

MSU’s GeoResources Institute, with the cooperation of other agencies and organizations including the MFBF, have developed a website that allows landowners to market their natural resources online for outdoor enthusiasts to see. Outdoorsmen will be able to search for Mississippi-based hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Producers with available properties will receive requests from interested parties about how they may be able to lease or utilize the property for its natural resource-based recreational opportunities.

The website contains links to every agency that is affiliated with the advisory committee. It also has different maps and sites so outdoorsmen can see where the property is located and what kind of terrain is on the property. The website can be accessed at www.naturalresources.msstate.edu. For any questions or comments contact Andy Whittington at MFBF at 601-977-4238 or Daryl Jones at MSU at 662-325-6768.

Pesticide Application Record/Ag Chemical Container Recycling Program

Pesticide Application Record

Approximately ten years ago, the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF), the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce-Bureau of Plant Industry (MDAC-BPI), and the Mississippi State University Extension Service (MSU-ES) in cooperation developed a booklet that can serve as a pesticide application and worker protection standard record keeping form. While little has change over the past ten years in regards to pesticide application and worker protection standard record keeping, the partners listed above agreed the booklet needed reviewing and updating.

MDAC-BPI has indicated that more inspections will be performed this year with regards to pesticide application record keeping practices. By using and completing the forms within the booklet and following the posting location and duration provisions, a farmer or applicator will be in compliance with current regulations should an inspection by regulatory officials occur.

If you would like to receive a Pesticide Application Record booklet, please contact Andy Whittington at 601-977-4238. If you do not wish to receive an entire booklet, you can download the necessary pages. These pages can be used to record the required information needed to stay in compliance.

Ag Chemical Container Recycling Program

The program that collects, grinds, and recycles plastic ag chemical containers in Mississippi remains active. In fact, over 539,000 pounds of agricultural plastic was collected in Mississippi in 2001. USAg Recycling, Inc. is the contractor that services the Southeast U.S. and works with the MSU-ES to set up collection and recycling activities. Only dry, properly rinsed containers are accepted at collection sites. Also, containers over 35 gallons will only be accepted at the discretion of the contractor.

If your county does not currently participate in an ag chemical container collection and recycling program and you would like to sponsor such an event, then contact USAg Recycling to find out how to participate in the program. Contact information:

Sam Gibson
USAg Recycling, Inc.
18330 Penick Rd.
Waller, TX 77484
1-800-654-3145 toll free number
936-372-5428 phone
936-372-5470 fax
www.usagrecycling.com

You may also contact your local extension office or Rusty Crowe at MDAC-BPI at 662-325-1269 for more information.

Staff

Andy Whittington
Environmental Programs
601-977-4238