The Mid-South Progressive Agriculture Group (MSPAG) held its annual Save Rural America Conference (SRAC) on February 20, 2025. The event brought together influential speakers and community leaders to discuss pressing issues affecting rural communities, including tax opportunities, sustainable agricultural practices, and stories of generational perseverance.
The Save Rural America Conference equips farmers, landowners, and small business owners with the knowledge and resources needed to strengthen their communities. By addressing economic sustainability, generational wealth, and agricultural advancements, SRAC is a vital platform for empowering rural communities.
The event featured a distinguished lineup of speakers who covered various aspects of rural development and financial stability. Barbara A. Belfoure, Marshall County Tax Assessor, provided insights on tax benefits and opportunities for rural landowners, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy. Jessica Ellington-Howard, FSA State Outreach Coordinator, discussed financial support programs available to farmers. At the same time, Kameka Gray, USDA Liaison at Alcorn State University, shared information on USDA initiatives to foster agricultural development.
Kenneth Harris, representing the Federation of Southern Cooperatives, spoke about the power of cooperatives in sustaining rural communities, highlighting the importance of collective efforts in wealth-building. Tony Andre Jones, Administrator for MS Sustainable Specialty Crop Growers, discussed innovative farming practices and sustainability strategies that ensure long-term success for farmers. Howard Gunn, Founder of S.E.E.D., Inc., and Gregory Hudson, Executive Director of Vanguard Empowerment, shared powerful stories of resilience, perseverance, and strategies for community upliftment.
The conference concluded with inspiring remarks from T’arie Todman of the Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC), who reinforced the importance of collaboration and continued advocacy for rural prosperity. The Save Rural America Conference continues as a cornerstone event, fostering discussions on financial literacy, sustainability, and community empowerment while driving positive change for future generations.
