The Winston County Cattleman Association (WCA), and MSU Extension partner each year to bring the highest quality educational programs to local cattle producers. Winston Extension in conjunction with WCA decided last year to make all efforts to recruit young people interested in the cattle industry to join the local association.
As with any agricultural entity the American producer’s average age is 58, and poses a major concern for the agriculture community as a growing population will need to be fed. Not to say there is no young people beginning to farm, but the numbers aren’t looking good. Winston County is no different from the national trend of an aging farm population. With this trend nation-wide, state-wide, and county-wide, the beginning farmers that are starting to emerge may not be aware of the resources available to them financially, or educationally.
For these reasons, Winston Extension and WCA each sponsor a member, Extension’s being a first time member under the age of 40. WCA and Extension staff noticed a young cattleman that has made great strides with his family farm, and has the desire to be part of the county’s farm community long-term.
On behalf of the Winston Cattleman Association, and Winston County Extension, we’d like to congratulate Mr. Brock Baker on being chosen as the Extension Sponsor Young Cattleman for 2020. Winston Extension, and WCA objectives is to provide quality education and a local support system to all farms and farmers to ensure our local operations sustainability for the generations to come.
With these added resources and Mr. Baker’s dedication to his herd, we’re positive Winston County will add a very successful young cattleman to the role, and ensure Mississippi’s cattle production stays viable for the next generation.
Congratulations Brock!
