About

Our Mission 

Our mission is to back those in Congress who aide in sustaining the Mississippi agriculture industry by supporting legislation that protects and enhances the priorities of Mississippi farmers.

History

In January 2020, the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation launched a federal Political Action Committee, or PAC, after 93% of MFBF delegates voted in favor of its establishment at the 2019 Annual Convention Business Session.

The Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Furthering Agriculture for Rural Mississippians Fund Political Action Committee, also referred to as the F.A.R.M. Fund, is comprised of Farm Bureau members from across Mississippi who voluntarily contribute to efforts supporting agriculture and rural Mississippi’s friends in Congress.

In a letter penned to all active MFBF members in February 2020 explaining the purpose of the F.A.R.M. Fund, MFBF President Mike McCormick, former MFBF President David Waide, MFBF PAC Study Committee Chair Mike Ferguson, and MFBF PAC Study Committee Vice-Chair J.B. Brown wrote:

“To sustain our industry, we need Congress to support farm bills, fight burdensome regulations, pass trade deals to open and maintain strong export markets, and to support and introduce legislation that protects and enhances the priorities of Mississippi farmers. As farmers and ranchers, we make up less than 2% of the U.S. population. Because of this, it is increasingly important our voices be heard loud and clear in the halls of Congress on the policies affecting our operation.

Not only should we reach out to the members of the Mississippi Congressional Delegation, but we also have to work with other key congressional leaders, committee chairs, and advocates of our industry from across the country to make sure our message is heard.  Establishing and supporting the F.A.R.M. Fund provides a way for us to stand together and help the friends we have in Congress advance good policy for Mississippi farmers and ranchers for many years.

The F.A.R.M. Fund will help these key members defer the excessive costs of running and maintaining a campaign in today’s political environment in order to represent our best interests in Washington.  As people with a stake in Mississippi agriculture, we should make sure the voice of Mississippi agriculture is heard in Washington.” 

Just within two years, the PAC has opened dialogue with key members of Congress and helped our staff development working relationships with these offices.  

In the 2022 election cycle (January 2021 to December 2022), we would like to report to you the following information on the F.A.R.M. fund:

• Total Funds Raised:                                                   $ 246,407.00          
• Total Funds Spent:                                                     $ 196,000.00          
• Total Funds Spent: In-State Candidates:                     $   47,500.00          
• Total Funds Spent: Out of State Candidates:              $ 148,500.00          
• Total In State Candidates Supported:                                     4      
• Total Out of State Candidates Supported:                              71
• Total Number of States Impacted:                                          27                
• Rank in PAC Spending Among State Farm Bureaus:             4^th
• Percentage of Supported Candidates Winning Races:          87%
• House Committee Chairs (2023) Supported in 2022:          12 of 20          

As you can see, the F.A.R.M. Fund had a very successful election cycle in 2022. 

Investment Report

To view the F.A.R.M Fund Investment Report for each year since its inception, click below.

2020 Investment Report

2022 Investment Report