Great Lakes Wire

The Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced the members of the 2025-2026 Mississippi Agriculture Youth Council. Among the 14 student finalists chosen to serve on the council is high school senior Anna Kate Goree from Scott County. Anna Kate, daughter of David and Jennifer Goree, attends Pisgah High School in Brandon.

"I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the outstanding students selected to serve on this year’s Mississippi Agriculture Youth Council," said Commissioner Gipson. "This recognition is a testament to their dedication and hard work. The future of our workforce lies in the hands of our youth, and through this unique program, our agency is committed to supporting and retaining our talented young people right here in Mississippi, where they can thrive and contribute to the success of our agriculture industry."

Other high school seniors selected include Trinity Pope from Covington County; Lily Everett from George County; Mason Williams from Hinds County; Rylie Holley from Itawamba County; Maggie Claire Todd from Jones County; Jadyn Collier from Kemper County; Kalie Carroll, Laney Carroll, and John Spears from Neshoba County; Rebekah Schilling and Silas Walker from Oktibbeha County; and Emma Neth from Panola County.

Members were chosen through an application process and were interviewed by a committee comprising representatives from the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) and other agriculture industry leaders. The council aims to expose students to various agriculture career fields and teach them how to advocate for different aspects of the agriculture industry.

Over one year, council members will visit agricultural companies and organizations, learn about the legislative process affecting agriculture, hold discussions with industry professionals, and develop career skills. They will serve from August 2025 to June 2026, attending at least four meetings at MDAC headquarters in Jackson.

Information from this article can be found here.