MCA History

The Mississippi Cattlemen's Association was developed by Paul Newell, a former MCES (Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service) leader in animal science, and Charles Whittington, a cattleman from Greenwood, MS. The two men presented their idea at the first annual cattle field day at the Mississippi State College on May 16, 1946. With overwhelming response, the idea was voted on and passed.

At the field day, officers were elected and the Mississippi Cattlemen's Association was established. Charles Whittington was elected president, Walter Swoope was vice president and Paul Newell, secretary. Annual dues were set at three dollars. Amazingly, 250 members joined that very day and the association work began.

Since the early days MCA has continued to grow and has seen tremendous accomplishments in many areas. MCA was instrumental in establishing the Dixie National Livestock Show which today has grown into one of the premier livestock shows in the United States.

Through many untiring hours, MCA employees have worked to secure the passage of dozens of bills that protect the best interests of Mississippi cattlemen. One such bill is the 1983 Dog Law which made it legal for cattlemen to destroy dogs that kill livestock and to hold the dogs' owners responsible for the damage. Another is the Property Owner's Rights bill. MCA helped to defeat legislation imposing federal land use planning on ranchers and farmers.

MCA also helped to defeat the USDA proposal to collect fees on all cattle marketed to pay for the Brucellosis eradication program. Another accomplishment of MCA was to help create the Livestock Theft Bureau which went into effect July 1, 1993.

After a three-year effort by the staff and officers, 1998 saw the repeal of sales tax on vaccines, dewormers and other animal health products used by cattlemen.  Since then, Mississippi producers have saved hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes.

In 2002, Mississippi passed one of one of the first beef labeling laws in the U.S. thanks to the initiative of MCA.

MCA has certainly outgrown its forefathers expectations. Today, your state cattlemen's association represents over 3,800 members. MCA is facing some of its toughest challenges ever, with such issues as animal rights, environmental concerns, foreign animal diseases and private property rights. We must battle every day for your protection. We are proud of the progress that MCA has made and we look forward to many successful years serving Mississippi cattlemen like you!

Steering Committee

Staff