Agri-Education Center bids planned for June

Photo: Artist conception of the DeSoto County Agri-Education Center. Bids are expected to be received later this summer. (DeSoto County Government)

Look for another step forward happening this summer in making the DeSoto County Agri-Education Center a reality.  

Supervisors announced during a presentation on National Ag Day by MSU Extension Agent III Jessica Sibley that bids are expected to go out on the Center in June. The center is planned for Stateline Road west of U.S. Highway 51, When finished, the facility will have classrooms, learning labs, conference and convention space, stables, an outdoor area,vwalking and equestrian trails, ball fields, and tennis courts. Board members also announced earlier this month that a 4-H archery facility will be planned there.  

It will feature traditional as well as innovative agricultural practices and methods. This state-of-the-art facility will provide DeSoto County residents with an opportunity to learn and experience the profound impact agriculture has on our daily lives.

During Monday’s presentation, Sibley helped point out the impact that agriculture has in DeSoto County.  

From the 300-500 farms in the county, millions of bushels of corn and soybeans are produced each year and fruits and vegetables are ranked 11th in Mississippi.  

HODGE NAMED NEW CONSTABLE: Brad Hodge was named the new District 2 Constable, replacing his wife Mitzi Hodge, who tendered her resignation to the Board of Supervisors.  Hodge was sworn into his position immediately after the vote by Circuit Clerk Dale Thompson. 

Hodge had his name placed on the ballot for the upcoming election and his is the only name on the ballot for the District 2 Constable post, so he will likely continue in the post past the August primary and November general election for a full term.