Video: Okolona Farm Hosts Field Day To Showcase Innovative Practices

[syndicaster id=’5785775′]

OKOLONA, MISS. (WCBI) – A Monroe County farm is being hailed as an example in efficiency and conservation of natural resources. Friday, the family farm opened its doors so to speak to show others what can be done with a little ingenuity and some good partners.
WCBI’s Allie Martin was there and has this report.

Beef cattle farmer Chris Jones took a beak from his daily routine to welcome some guests and share his ideas on everything from water management to improving pastures.

The Jones Farm partnered with the Minority Farmers Alliance and the Mississippi Grazing Land Initiative, to showcase innovative farming ideas that can save money, increase profits and protect the environment.

“Every seven days we rotate our cattle from one area of the pasture to the other, so there is no overgrazing,” Carolyn Jones said.

The M-S-U Extension Service and a number of public and private agencies and groups have worked with the Jones family on ideas and financial assistance. Sharing successes and failures with others is an important part of changing the face of farming.

“One of the things we focus on is developing these plans for producers to be more efficient and to be able to maintain a long-term farming operation,” said Rocky Lemus, of the MSU Extension Service.

“Any innovative practices that will reduce the cost we need to be able to convey this information to other farmers and also conserving natural resources,” said Frank Taylor of the Winston County Self Help Co Op

There are more than37,000 farming operations in the state and experts say anything that helps the agriculture industry ripples throughout the economy.

The Jones Family also hosts weekly programs for 4 H students as part of a nutrition awareness initiative.