People can enjoy the annual rice tasting event held in Bolivar County in a different format this year. The Rice Festival will be held Sept. 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the streets of downtown Merigold.

Extension uses USDA grant to help Mississippi farmers

Filed Under: Agriculture, Farmers Markets July 9, 2021

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Mississippi State University’s Extension Service is working to enhance direct sales, farmers markets, and local food development in northeast Mississippi as part of a new project “From Gravel Roads to City Streets” funded by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service.

USDA starts sign-up for second round of aid Sept. 21

Filed Under: Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Catfish, Beef, Dairy, Poultry, Specialty Crop Production, Coronavirus September 21, 2020

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will accept applications for assistance from agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19.Sign-up for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 -- CFAP 2 -- begins Sept. 21 and runs through Dec. 11, 2020. The program is open to producers of row crops, livestock, aquaculture, dairy and specialty crop commodities.

Rows of canning jars line a table at an open-air marketplace.

Two MS cottage food law updates aid entrepreneurs

Filed Under: Agricultural Economics, Agri-business, Local Food System Economies, Food and Health, Food September 11, 2020

Cottage food laws enacted to allow new entrepreneurs to start small-scale food businesses in their homes were updated recently to stay current with the business climate.

Celebrate Rice Month with Tasty Recipes from The Food Factor

Filed Under: Rice, Local Flavor, Food, Nutrition September 11, 2020

September is National Rice Month! So, let’s celebrate with some great tasting rice recipes that have been featured on the blog.

more news

Success Stories

Two women stand on either side of a machine.

VIP help female business owner reach online customers

Agri-business, Marketing and Business Planning
Volume 1 Number 2

VIP help female business owner reach online customers

After Becky Tatum acquired Delta Grind in 2008, she wanted the wholesale cornmeal production business to remain true to its roots, but she also had her own vision for what it could be.

A woman wearing a white visor, maroon shirt, jeans, and boots marks a clipboard as five cows and three calves rest under a tree.

What’s New

About Extension, Beef, Marketing and Business Planning, Rural Development, Food, Food Safety, Health, Nutrition, Rural Health
Volume 4 Number 3

See what's new in Extension: Gather for First Extension Beef-Production Workshop, the Food Factor Goes Digital, Extension Professionals Share Expertise, and Extension Offers New HappyHealthy Program.

Red potatoes in a biodegradable basket are flanked on either side by green snap beans.

Foodie Market

Agri-tourism, Culinary Tourism, Farmers Markets, Local Food System Economies, Economic Development, Rural Development, Food, Health, Nutrition, Rural Health, Vegetable Gardens
Volume 4 Number 2

From the youngest to the oldest generations, thousands of people are visiting, shopping, and enjoying themselves at the Hernando Farmers’ Market, held Saturdays on the historic DeSoto County Courthouse lawn.

The market has more than just fresh produce. It connects the community by uniting the shoppers, producers, and artisans who come.

Five people, three men and two women, stand in front of a Farmers Market Building sign

Where You Are

Farmers Markets
Volume 3 Number 4

Ruby D. Rankin spent 33 years leading, serving, and working hand in hand with the people of Kemper County. Her position with the Mississippi State University Extension Service linked her to the community and made her unforgettable to the people who knew her.