FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8, 2021

JACKSON, Miss. – Today, Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced several additions to the 2022 Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo during a press conference held at the Mississippi Trade Mart. Commissioner Gipson was joined by Scotty Lovelace, owner of Harper & Morgan Rodeo; Phillip D. Morgan, CEO of Southern AgCredit; and Don Brazil, CEO of the Foundation for Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

“I am excited to announce Southern AgCredit as the new title sponsor for the annual Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo,” said Commissioner Gipson. “Also this year, our agency is partnering with the Foundation for Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to hold the Spring Edition of the Mississippi Ag and Outdoor Expo during an extended weekend of the Dixie National Rodeo. This adds another dynamic to the traditional events held during Dixie National. Visitors from across the country look forward to this annual, month-long agricultural event, and I believe it will be bigger and better than ever.”

“We are delighted to be the title sponsor of the Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo. We know Southern AgCredit and the Dixie National are a natural pair,” said Morgan. “We both have deep roots in Mississippi and the surrounding area, as well as an affinity for serving those with a passion for agriculture. We look forward to working together to make the 57th Dixie National the greatest yet!”

“On behalf of our Foundation Board, I want to express how incredibly excited we are to present the Spring Edition of the Mississippi Ag and Outdoor Expo at the Dixie National Rodeo,” said Brazil.

The Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo, the largest rodeo event east of the Mississippi River, brings in participates from all over the world and generates millions of dollars in the local economy. This coming year, the rodeo competitions will be extended to include a second weekend, February 11-13 and 16-19. The entertainment lineup for the 2022 Dixie National Rodeo includes Dylan Scott, Joe Nichols, the Gatlin Brothers, Gary Allan, Neal McCoy, Justin Moore and Bellamy Brothers.

“Harper & Morgan Rodeo is very proud of the past success of the Dixie National Rodeo and even more excited for the future. The renovations to the fairgrounds, the Coliseum, and the Trade Mart are a part of making the Dixie National Rodeo a huge success. With the support of our partners and their continued investment, The Dixie National Rodeo will be second to none,” said Lovelace.

The 57th Annual Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo will run Wednesday, January 19, through Sunday, February 20, 2022, at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds. Visit dixienational.org for more information as it becomes available.

For more information, contact:

Paige Manning, Director of Marketing and Public Relations

(601) 359-1163 / cell: (662) 312-5897

paige@mdac.ms.gov

Hannah East, Marketing Specialist

(601) 359-1179

hannae@mdac.ms.gov