The Farm Service Agency was one of several USDA agencies that participated in the largest farm show in the South. Philip Coleman, Shelby County executive director, along with other staff members, volunteered to answer questions.
This year’s 58th Mid-South Farm and Gin Show provided more than 20,000 producers and opportunity to see advances in the industry and discuss hardships faced by the economic downturn.
”Times are hard for our producers and I will use this opportunity to hear first-hand from industry and growers on the challenges they face as they plan for the future,” said Senator Blanche Lincoln, D-AR, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, who addressed attendees during the event.
Sponsored by the Southern Cotton Ginners Association and the Delta Farm Press, the event — held in Memphis, Tenn. — housed more than 400 exhibits that provided insight into new equipment, fertilizer, management tools and government programs.
—by Murray Dale Watts, FSA Southeast region public affairs specialist
