The event also features livestock showcases from youth participants, who are competing as part of 4-H and Future Farmers of America, or FFA.
18-year-old Alana Whitehead from the community of Nanih Waiya in Winston County began showing Boer goats nine years ago, but this year showcased pigs.
“I had never realized you could show animals,” she said. “No idea. I thought these people were crazy. And now, turns out that I'm one of those crazy people. I would not trade it for the world because animals have made me.”
11-year-old Madison resident Bradley Barnett has been showcasing animals for three years. This year, he and his pig Charlotte competed in the down-ear swine division.
“She's very stubborn,” he said. “Today, she acted good.”
15-year-old Mason Jenkins is from Mantachie in Itawamba County. He’s showing a commercial angus cow and has been coming to the rodeo for the past three years.
“I've met people from Alabama,” he said. “I've met people from Georgia. They come from all over the country just for this show. Just being able to meet new friends, it's been great.”
At least 37,000 people attended the rodeo last year, according to Yolanda Clay-Moore, a director with Visit Jackson. She says the rodeo is a huge part of Mississippi’s culture.
“To be functioning for 60 years is phenomenal,” Clay-Moore said. “It brings thousands upon thousands into our city. Last year, it generated about a little over $5.4 million in economic impact because it's so lengthy and so many activities.”
Michael Lasseter is the director of the Mississippi National Fairgrounds. He says the rodeo helps visitors experience the importance of agriculture.
“We are in Jackson and this is kind of an urban area,” he said. “So we have a lot of people that come in that never get to experience livestock or see cows, and they can walk down and kind of learn about the animals.”
According to a press release, there will be a Dixie National Parade on Saturday, February 2 and will feature “rodeo queens, marching bands, decorative floats, car and tractor clubs, riding groups.”
The rodeo will run until February 16.
