Local farmer and businessman Andy Gaines was named 2026 Cooperator of the Year at the Tate County Soil and Water Conservation District’s membership banquet Monday, March 2, at Senatobia First Methodist Church.
The annual award is presented to the person displaying a high interest in soil and water conservation, and knowledgeable and sensitive to caring for the land for future generations.
“In the past few years, Gaines has utilized over 8,000 square feet of heavy use areas, five watering facilities, 110 acres of herbaceous weed treatment, three grade stabilization structures, 2,671 feet of livestock pipeline and 8,575 feet of fence installed on his grazing land operation,” said TCSWD Commissioner Justin Hurt.
Hurt also pointed out Gaines’ farm has implemented forage and biomass planting, pasture and hay planting and nutrient management through participation in the Environmental Quality Incentive Program to improve hay production for cattle on more than 200 acres in Tate County.
The Tate County Soil and Water Conservation District is a governmental subdivision of the State of Mississippi and organized by citizens of the First Congressional District on Feb. 20, 1941. It is responsible for implementing programs for soil and water conservation in the county.
Other TCSWD Commissioners in attendance at the banquet include Matthew Raff, James Howard Barham, Walter Rodgers Jr., Marty Allison, Juan Zepeda, Louise McKellar and Wayne Steward.
