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Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation
Agricultural News and Information
David Waide given Distinguished Service Award by Farm Bureau
JACKSON - Longtime cattle and row crop farmer from Clay County and eighth president of the Mississippi Farm Bureau, David Waide, has been named the winner of Farm Bureau’s Distinguished Service Award for 2010 at the organization’s annual meeting on December 5.
Waide served 14 years as Farm Bureau president and led the organization through many challenging periods including the recovery from Hurricane Katrina. Farm Bureau led the effort to get fuel to farmers during that critical time to help them keep their animals from dying and their products from spoiling. He also helped manage the funds that were donated to the relief effort and made sure that those funds got to producers in need.
Waide said that his goals as president were to further strengthen the organization’s voice in the legislature and raise its influence with regulatory agencies. He said he wanted regulators to understand that Farm Bureau would only accept decisions based on sound science and not upon emotion or what someone thought was a good idea.
Waide also supported the Ag Image Campaign that Farm Bureau rolled out in February of this year. He said this campaign highlighting the Farm Families of Mississippi was designed to give consumers confidence in the food supply and the farmers of Mississippi who bring that supply to market.
During his tenure as Farm Bureau President, Waide helped with the writing of three Farm Bills. These pieces of legislation lay out the rules for government support of agriculture. These support payment help farmers compete in a world marketplace and help keep prices low for American consumers.
“David Waide has been a diligent and effective advocate for Mississippi farmers and livestock producers,” said Sen. Thad Cochran. “David’s ability to find solutions to problems affecting farmers large and small, his business acumen, and his public service record have made him a very effective leader.”
“The promotion of agriculture and the success of farm operations are a priority with him,” said Farm Bureau Vice-President Reggie Magee. “He is and has been an effective leader for Farm Bureau.”
The Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor Farm Bureau bestows
on an individual and it is reserved for someone who has truly made a difference
in the lives of Mississippi farmers.
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