Hardworking Hands Produce Food, Fiber and Fuel in Mississippi

In partnership with: Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce

Take a look at some of the hardworking hands that are growing the food of Mississippi.

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. If the new hatchlings, or fry, 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 for consumers, a labor-intensive process that lasts around 18 months. Raising healthy fish is a priority of Jones and all staff at Bear Creek Fisheries. 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.

“Something that gets me every time is when you first drop catfish fry into a pond. 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

See more: The Life Cycle of Catfish

Cindy Ayers Elliott, Ph.D., is a Mississippi native who worked in policy and finance in New York before leaving her mark, or footprint, in the agriculture industry. Following the 9/11 attacks targeting the World Trade Center where her offices were located, Elliott decided upon a career change. Eventually, she would go on to develop a sustainable and reputable farm back in her hometown of Jackson, which she named Foot Print Farms to pay homage to her ancestors who paved the way before her. Today, Foot Print Farms grows an array of herbs, greens and vegetables, as well as tropical fruits and vegetables across 15 acres of her 68-acre farm, which includes 10 high tunnels. Partnering with federal and local community-driven programs, the Jackson farm works to educate the public, especially young people, on the importance of agriculture and provides nutrition assistance to those in need. “We’re looking at what we can do to grow to add value to what we’re doing and how we can get more people interested in being able to grow their own food,” she says. For more information, visit footprintfarmsms.com.

“Food is medicine, and for us, it is so important to do our part to get fresh produce to people in our communities and prevent food waste.” – Cindy Ayers Elliott

See more: Solful Gardens Offers Community a New Source for Fresh Produce

Since 1923, Dee Dotson has earned himself the respect of his fellow man and the reputation of a small, yet prosperous farmer with a green thumb. As one of the founding members of the Winston County Self Help Cooperative, the Weir native has striven to uphold the Co-op’s mission of “Saving Rural America.” The 100-year-old pillar of the community has lived through the Great Depression, 18 presidents and four wars, continuing to use only the traditional farming methods he grew up with. Though only farming parttime, Dotson has consistently raised fresh fruits and vegetables while working for lumber, automotive and civil service organizations. Family members and longtime customers have never known “Mr. Dee’s” garden to fail and continue to come by the farm to pick their own produce. Dotson plans to “keep on keeping on” for as long as he is able.

“I ain’t no talker, but I love farming. I like to see my garden grow. In all my years, I hadn’t had to beg nobody for nothing. I’ve worked hard, and if there’s something I want done, I just do it. And it has paid off in the end.” – Dee Dotson

See more: Plant Chili Peppers to Spice Up Your Garden

Every day for 10 years, the Beasons of Philadelphia, Mississippi, have gotten up at dawn to milk their registered Jersey cows then make their way back for the evening milking around 6 p.m. Longtime cattleman Shelby Beason had considered the idea of dairying for years when he and his wife, Marlo, started Beason Dairy Farm, a self-reliant dairy operation that offers fresh milk and ice cream, which they called a “leap of faith.” Truly a family affair, Shelby, Marlo and their children, along with Shelby’s father, continue to assist with the milking, processing, bottling and selling of their dairy products. Currently, the family, along with two full-time employees, milk 46 Jersey cows and pasteurize approximately 162 gallons per day. Once pasteurized, Beason Dairy delivers its milk products to 48 retail establishments across the state, and the rest are used to stock the community store located on the farm. By not homogenizing the milk, Beason Dairy sets its products apart as a quality and natural option that includes whole, chocolate and buttermilk, as well as vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and lemon ice cream. The popular store allows customers to pick up the dairy products they want and leave payment at their convenience. Learn more at facebook.com/beasonfamilyfarm.

“To me, the best part of this lifestyle is that it’s something we can do as a family. Our kids grew up on this, so they were able to learn lifelong lessons, work ethic and responsibility.” – Marlo Beason

See more: How Mad Agriculture and Origin Milk Are Changing Dairy, One Guernsey Cow at a Time

In 1987, Sandy Run Farm in Purvis transformed into a popular U-pick agritourism operation. Tim Goggans wanted to give back to the community and provide a place for families to make memories and enjoy the outdoors. Following in his father’s footsteps, Ethan Goggans returned to the family farm after graduation and diversified operations even more, which he believes is the “most important part to being successful,” by starting their first pumpkin patch. Early every morning, both Goggans men start their day at the 280-acre farm and carry out various duties under their managerial partnership. With its annual events, venue reservations and U-pick operating seasons offering blueberries, blackberries, persimmons, peaches, blueberry lemonade, jams and jellies, Sandy Run Farm is open yearround. During the busiest season, the whole family pitches in to help, and Ethan says it’s most rewarding to see his own children learning the same practical skills and work ethic that he and his brother did growing up. Learn more at facebook.com/sandyrunfarm1.

“The idea for a U-pick farm just felt right. It seemed like a good fit, and it has grown so much. We started out with a tent in the backyard with a little sign hanging up. From there, we went to a little portable building to finally the pavilion area and all that you see today. My reward is literally seeing the fruits of our labor.” – Tim Goggans

See more: U-Pick Your Own Adventure

When Jaclyn Rogers of Collins started Honestly Beef in 2012, she had no idea the small-time meat operation would grow to the lengths it has. Starting out with a single beef cow raised naturally to the ideal size for slaughter, the businesswoman and devoted mother of two now raises 2,000 Angus and Charolais cattle on pastureland spanning five counties each year for her customer base. Though willing to get out in the pasture if needed, Rogers’ daily duties lie with the transport, packaging and shipping of all finished meat products. After sending her “Rocking J” branded cattle to a local processing facility, Rogers, often accompanied by her daughter, Caroline, picks up the custom-ordered meats and makes select deliveries before restocking the 28 freezers inside the Honestly Beef Store located on the ranch. In addition to keeping products available at the store, local farmers markets and trade shows, Rogers also ships meat products to customers across the country, shipping 1,300 boxes nationwide in one year, from California to New York. Learn more at honestlybeef.com.

“I’m always looking for that next venture, as long as it is in the beef industry. My passion is for farm-fresh beef products, and I’m always trying out new things to see how they’ll work out. In the future, I would like to do some bigger, bulk-order type business, possibly even shipping internationally.” – Jaclyn Rogers