Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation
Agricultural News and Information

Steve Cummings given Distinguished Service Award by Farm Bureau

JACKSON - Longtime Extension County Agent Steve Cummings from Yalobusha County has been named the winner of Farm Bureau’s Distinguished Service Award for 2011 at the organization’s annual meeting on December 4.

Cummings grew up on a cattle farm and from a very early age knew that he wanted a career in some form of agriculture. He spent all of his 31 years with the Extension Service in Yalobusha County, starting as a 4-H agent and culminating his career as County Director.

“I’m probably one of the few male agents that ever went to one county and stayed there the whole time,” said Cummings. “But when you find out you are going to the right place, you know, you’re going to do that.”

Farm Bureau President Randy Knight said that Cummings worked closely with Farm Bureau his entire career and helped develop young people in his county.

“Steve saw what Farm Bureau had to offer and knew that he had young farmers in his county that could benefit from participating in many of the Farm Bureau contests,” said Knight. “Steve saw it as a way to develop them as leaders and showcase them.”

Over the years, Steve mentored four statewide Young Farmer Achievement Award winners and three statewide Discussion Meet winners. He also helped surface two Miss Farm Bureau winners and numerous regional and statewide Talent Show winners.

“This is one of the biggest honors I’ve ever received. What it means to me is not what I’ve done but what all the folks I’ve worked with have done,” said Cummings. “The young farmers, the queen contestants, discussion meet entries, the farmers, the general public of the Yalobusha County have made me what I am. I feel like this is just a reflection on the county and the agriculture industry in Yalobusha County.”

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.

 (30)

The Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation is the state's largest general farm organization with more than 197,000 member-families statewide.  There are Farm Bureaus in all 82 counties in Mississippi where agriculture comprises a fundamental part of Mississippi 's economy.  Headquartered in Jackson , the federation is an independent, non-profit agricultural organization and is not associated with any arm of the government.  For more information about Farm Bureau, visit our website at www.msfb.org.