POPLARVILLE —
Typically when I think of agriculture, the thought of tractors plowing fields and cattle grazing pastures comes to mind. After all, our sophisticated agricultural system in the United States does a marvelous job of producing food for our country as well as the rest of the world. Miss. is, and has been, one of the top agriculture producers within this system. The fertile soils along the Miss. River and other river and tributary systems in this state have placed our region in a prime position in the agriculture pyramid. Of course agriculture is vitally an important in the economics of Pearl River County.
The latest Census of Agriculture (2007) indicates that Pearl River County has 878 farms comprised of 135,676 acres. Of these 878 farms, 480 are in the livestock or poultry business, mostly beef cattle; 237 in the business of hay and grass; 35 vegetable farms; and 54 orchards. The total market value of the goods sold on these farms exceeded $20 million. That is quite an economic impact.
Of course some entrepreneurs are finding some very innovative ways to stretch out the revenue of their farms. Has anyone taken their children to a corn maze? What a great way for a child to experience a farm first hand. During this big adventure, children get to actually see vegetables and livestock first hand. Among the things to do is to pet and feed the livestock. Also, children can purchase a pumpkin to take home and carve for Halloween.
Like those that are wisely using their farms in innovative business ways, other agriculture entrepreneurs take their wares direct to market. These business people can often be found selling their vegetables at local markets and roadside stands. After all, one thing that never goes out of fashion is eating. Those that can figure out new ways to market and expand their business will grow and prosper.
Business
Economic development through agriculture and entrepreneurship
- Business
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- Dual Enrollment Practical Nursing Program available at PRCC Some students possess the maturity level and academic wherewithal to begin studying toward a fruitful career path while still in high school. It is no secret that many earn most of the necessary credits towards a high school diploma by the completion of the junior year of school; thus, requiring the student to attend high school for part of the school day during their senior year. Many students have jobs or extracurricular school activities, such as band or athletics, to help round out the day. However, those not in falling into these categories often ended up with a lot of free time; fortunately policy makers in Mississippi are finding ways to assist these students.
- Senators Burks Hill and Smith along with Representative Frierson panelists for Chamber Business Review The Greater Area Picayune Chamber of Commerce held a Legislative Review for the business community, at Char Southern Steakhouse, Monday at 5:30 p.m. Panelists included State Senator District 40 Angela Burks Hill, State Senator District 47 Tony Smith, and State Rep. Herb Frierson of Poplarville. All are Republican. They spoke on the past session and bills they either authored or helped pass which impact local and state businesses.
- Investing in the community one building at a time There is a bit of a renaissance occurring in Pearl River County. This is happening one building at a time. It seems to be happening rather quietly, but the end results are going to help shape the future of the county and the cities located here.
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Medical Group gives back to community
, Children’s International Medical Group is proud to announce the opening of their pediatric clinic in Picayune.
The clinic is one of many throughout La. and Miss. which brings compassionate care centered around pediatric patients and the community in which they live.
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Charter Bank names Westfall as VP
Charter Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Rich Westfall as vice president of business development and marketing. His responsibilities will be to lead business and community development and oversee all marketing efforts for the bank.
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Weak Oracle sales, Cyprus fears weigh on US stocks
Stocks closed lower on Wall Street Thursday after Oracle’s weak sales results weighed down big U.S. technology companies. Traders also worried about Cyprus running out of time to avoid bankruptcy.
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Mississippi REALTORS® hold annual REALTOR® Day at the Capitol
On Feb.7, 2013 Pearl River County REALTORS® joined more than 120 Mississippi REALTORS® at the Mississippi State Capitol to take part in REALTOR® Day at the Capitol.
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More than school board needs to be changed: Part 2
Dr. Scott Alsobrooks/Guest Columnist
At quick glance, it is easy to see that the Mississippi economy will only need about 25 percent of its workforce at the bachelor’s level or higher. Most jobs still require only a high school degree, but many well paying jobs will require some sort of 2 year degree or a post high school type credential such as a certificate in welding, carpentry or plumbing. -
HORNE LLP welcomes Picayune native as spring accounting intern
HORNE LLP, one of the top accounting and business advisory firms in the nation, recently welcomed Melissa Pigott of Picayune, Miss., as a spring accounting intern. A total of 26 accounting students were selected for the highly competitive internship program.
Pigott is a student at the University of Southern Mississippi and is completing her internship in assurance services in the Ridgeland, Miss., office location. -
More than school board needs to be changed: Part 1
By Dr. Scott Alsobrooks/Guest Columnist
The Senate Education Committee passed Bill 2141 recently. The bill is championed by local Senator Tony Smith. While the bill would not affect Pearl River Central Schools, it would change the Picayune and Poplarville School Districts from a mix of appointed and elected board members, to all elected. An amendment was put in the bill to require board members to have at least one year of college. - More Business Headlines




