FC native Ty Jones earns Newell Award

A Franklin County native has received the prestigious Paul F. Newell Award as outstanding Mississippi State University Extension Service agent with 4-H livestock programs and beef producers through the Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association.

Ty Jones, who is the son of Pat Jones and the late Larry Jones of Meadville, works as an Extension Agent II in Madison County.

The awards presentation came during the association’s convention and trade show held in Jackson on Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3.

Jones was a 1993 Franklin County High School graduate and part of the Meadville United Methodist Church family.

He received his bachelor of science degree in Animal Science in 1997, and continued his studies to earn a master of science degree that focused on animal reproductive physiology in 2003.

Afterwards, Jones worked with MSU and agricultural interests including Ellis Angus and Little Creek farms.

His career path allowed him to spend time as a bovine reproductive specialist before joining the MSU Extension Service in 2011.

He has sought to further his education by working toward a PhD starting in 2019.

In addition, Jones served for eight years in the Army National Guard.

During his MSU Extension Service career, Jones has provided countless hours of leadership and coordination for Madison County’s 4-H livestock program, which has included livestock shows, judging clinics, Achievement Day contests and the replacement heifer contest to name a few.

Most recently, Jones has been asked to play a leading role in the operation and fund-raising efforts for the area’s heifer development contest.

Also through the Extension Service, he has worked with many beef cattle producers via initiatives including best forage management practices and hay production and sampling to reduce the need for supplementation.

Jones’ extended knowledge in breeding and genetics has helped the producers he serves with important embryo transfer and artificial insemination decisions.

He also works closely with the state Cattlemen’s Association to develop impactful educational programs that will improve best management practices along with addressing animal health and welfare concerns.

In Jones’ nomination for the award, one unidentified cattle producer cited the agent as “going above and beyond the call of duty ... (Jones) doesn’t just teach it, he does it. He truly cares about the livestock and agricultural industries and the producers.”

In another testimonial, a parent wrote, “He helped me pick out show calves for my son’s 4-H projects and taught him to be competitive.”

The same individual noted, “(Jones) helped me with weed control issues in my hayfields and pastures. He took time to research and walked me through health issues with my herd. I am happy to call him my friend.”

Yet another client characterized Jones as the kind of person that could always be relied upon.

“From hauling youth to competitions, to holding a calf that was just not quite broke in the paddock, he always has a positive attitude along with a great work ethic ... making him a role model for not just youth, but for all families. (Jones) is a special person.”

In probably one of the most touching moments of the awards presentation, another testimonial was read where a parent penned a letter about that individual’s daughter taking part in animal showing activities.

“In addition to the normal concerns of having an almost 8-year-old showing large animals, our Emmy threw autism into the ring, too. My motto that year and every year she showed cattle was to get her in the ring and back out safely.

“I found myself at every large show texting our county agent to see who was working the ring. If he was in the ring — with his trademark cowboy hat — I felt like I could breathe a little easier and that Emmy would be taken care of.”

The parent praised Jones for helping the child to grow and handling situations that could potentially arise with her.

“Over the years, with our other girls, it has been the same type of relationship. They haven’t needed (Jones) quite like Emmy did, but he was there, and I knew he was watching ... not only my kids, but every other kid that entered the ring. There’s no one any more dedicated to the program and its values. He’s one of the good ones.”