Advisory Research
Committee Description
Supports agricultural research initiatives on both the State and federal levels Research activities supported by the committee include cotton, rice, soybeans, catfish and ginning initiatives. As an example, this committee was instrumental in the successful establishment of a pesticide application technology unit at Stoneville and manages Delta Council policy related to all resource conservation, environmental and regulatory issues associated with production agriculture.
Chairman: Mr. Lawrence Long, Indainola
ViceChairman: Mr. Ben Lamesdorf, Cary
Presentations of the last meeting (March 5, 2008 - Stoneville, Miss.)
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Advisory & Ginning Committe Meeting - Highlights
Dr. Peggy Thaxton - Cotton Breeding Program at Stoneville
Dr. Jeff Gore - Entomology Research at Stoneville
Dr. Steven Martin - Thoughts about future crop mix
Dr. Daniel H. Poston - Managing Herbicide Resistance
Dr. Ray Williford - Multi-Crop Production Systemse
Dr. Lawrence Young - Crop Genetics and Production
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Aquaculture
Committee Description
Addresses catfish industry and farm problems. The committee continues to urge sustained research in off-flavor problems, and genetic research. This committee was instrumental in the establishment of a cormorant control project aimed at reducing losses caused by fish-eating birds, establishing emergency feed assistance in 2003, and worked to establish the Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center at Stoneville. The committee cooperates with The Catfish Farmers of America and The Catfish Farmers of Mississippi in public policy affecting the catfish industry.
Chairman: Mr. Lester Myers, Indianola
ViceChairman: Mr. Paul Dees, Leland
ViceChairman: Mr. Louie Thompson, Tchula
ViceChairman: Mr. Joe Oglesby, Moorhead
Recent Handouts (2008)
U.S. Catfish Industry, 2008 Outlook and 2007 Review
Catfish Industry Analysis
Material of last meeting (11/14/2005)
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Agenda
Attendance List
Structure (PPT)
Summary of Research and Diagnostic Activities
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Arrangements
Committee Description
Chairman: Mrs. Irene Long, Indianola
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Development Department
Committee Description
The Development Department of Delta Council serves to 1) maintain a cooperative regional industrial recruitment program for all 18 Delta and part-Delta counties in Northwest Mississippi; 2) improve the business climate and assist existing industry through a wide range of initiatives; and 3) enhance the capabilities of communities seeking to attract industry and development. A representative Board is appointed by county officials and the President of Delta Council to serve as the policy body to supervise and support the activities of the Development Department staff; however, Delta Council members can indicate their interest and be included in Development Department activities and plans by marking this assignment.
Chairman: Mr. Tom Gresham, Indianola
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Education & Helath Policy
Committee Description
Supports needs in higher education in both the region and the State. Committee members meet with key legislative leaders to stress the importance of adequate funding for all eight universities and the community college system. Specific emphasis is focused on cooperation with the Delta Council Development Department aimed at improved workforce development programs, adult literacy, and teacher shortages. Also, support for community colleges and our two major regional universities is important to the functions of this committee.
Chairman: Mr. Kent Wyatt, Cleveland
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Farm Policy
Committee Description
Chairman: Mr. Dan Branton, Leland
ViceChairman: Mr. Bryan Jones
ViceChairman: Mr. Cliff Heaton, Lyon
Presentations of the last meeting (11/09/2005)
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Farm Policy/Trade - Agenda
DC Overview
WTO Analysis
Legislative Update
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Flood Control
Committee Description
Provides local input into flood control matters both on a regional and national level. Committee coordinates with local Levee Boards, Mississippi Congressional Delegation and impacted property owners to stress importance of commitment to flood control policies that result in reduced flood risks for urban and rural areas. Committee strives to build consensus for adoption of mutual resolution to address problems that accompany drainage improvements.
Chairman: Mr. Al Rankins, Greenville
ViceChairman: Mr. Tom Gary, Greenwood
ViceChairman: Mr. Bob Eley, Cleveland
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Forestry and Wildlife Resources
Committee Descpription
Coordinates area-wide support for forestry and wildlife research at the Center for Bottomland Hardwoods-USDA. This committee led the effort for the establishment of a timber management and wildlife research unit at the Stoneville Hardwoods Lab. Also, the committee was responsible for passage of a law prohibiting use of aircraft for unethical hunting, and the adoption of state policies which close hunting seasons in the Delta during flooding conditions, which cause terrestrials to evacuate their normal habitat.
Chairman: Mr. Mike Mikell, Prot Gibson
ViceChairman: Mr. Burk Burkhardt, Vicksburg
ViceChairman: Mr. Rodney Wishard, Lake Village, Ark.
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Ginning and Cotton Quality Improvement
Committee Description
Supports needs in research for cotton quality. This committee has played a key role in offering study and input to improve our cotton classing system. The committee, comprised of cotton gin, warehouse and oil mill operators, is focusing on new innovation for gin waste management and federal regulations affecting their operations. The committee also cooperates with federal agencies with jurisdiction over labor and immigration issues affecting cotton gins.
Chairman:Mr. James Killebrew, Tchula
ViceChairman: Mrs. Celeste Malatesta
ViceChairman: Mr. Sledge Taylor, Como
Presentations & Handouts of the last meeting (07/27/2006)
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Agenda
Eric Nash PPT
Bill Meredith PPT
Frederick Barrier PPT
Handouts
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Highway Improvement and Transportation
Committee Description
Promotes the improvement of the State's highway system in order to advance economic development in Mississippi. This committee was instrumental in the passage of the 1987, four-lane construction program and continues to monitor the program to ensure timely completion. Also, the committee focuses study on routing of traffic, whether utilizing by-passes or through traffic patterns in proximity to municipal areas. Maintenance of existing roads is a sustaining priority of this committee. Regional projects such as I-69, the U.S. 82 Mississippi River Bridge, and connector roads for these two major federal projects are priorities for this committee.
Chairman: Mr. Tom Gresham, Indianola
ViceChairman: Mr. Andy Dixon, Greenville
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Rice and Small Grains
Committee Description
Provides input on Congressional and Mississippi legislative issues affecting rice. This committee has placed emphasis on the release of public-sector research to provide higher yielding rice varieties. Continues to focus on rice legislation, rice trade, and administrative rulings from Washington relating to rice. Committee co-operates and supports research and promotion efforts of Mississippi Rice Promotion Board and the Mississippi Rice Council.
Chairman: Mr. Travis Satterfield, Benoit
ViceChairman: Mr. Rex Morgan, Cleveland
ViceChairman: Mr.Gibb Steele, Hollandale
Presentations of the last meeting (08/02/2005)
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Rice & Soybean Committe Meeting - Agenda
Don A. Riffe - Informa Economics
Tim Walker - Rice Research Report
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Soil and Water Resources
Committee Description
Offers recommendations and input from local leaders concerning the natural resources, conservation and further development of the region's land and water. This committee successfully urged Congress to provide modifications to the Conservation Reserve Program that would encourage eligibility for Delta acreage in the program. This committee also carefully examines and works with USDA staff regarding conservation compliance, swampbuster and other farm program compliance provisions that result from environmental measures incorporated into farm legislation. The committee provides leadership in conservation and management of the region's water resources and assists the local conservation districts, NRCS-USDA, FSA-USDA, and the Yazoo-Mississippi Delta Joint Water Management District in providing reasonable and realistic conservation plans to ensure adequate water supply and sediment reduction in water bodies.
Chairman: Mr. Bowen Flowers, Tunica
ViceChairman: Mr. Chat Phillips, Yazoo City
ViceChairman: Mr. Henry Reed, Belzoni
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Soybeans, Wheat and Feed Grains
Committee Description
Provides input on Congressional and legislative issues. This committee has urged for the implementation of a research program aimed at increasing average Mississippi soybean yields by 10 bushels/acre over the past 10 years. Progress is already being registered in this direction behind the efforts of strengthened field research and expanded breeding programs at Stoneville.
Chairman: Mr. Jim Robertson, Indianola
ViceChairman: Mr. Rob Coker, Yazoo City
ViceChairman: Clifton Porter, Rolling Fork
Review of Federal Appropriations & Soybean Rust Research (July 2006) - Handout
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