MFBF recognizes a trailblazing Mississippi cattle producer for her dedication & passion for agriculture

Awarded the prestigious title of Mississippi Farm Bureau’s Farm Woman of the Year, Greta’s journey is a testament to hard work, family dedication, and a passion for agriculture.

Awarded the prestigious title of Mississippi Farm Bureau’s Farm Woman of the Year, Greta Thornton’s journey is a testament to hard work, family dedication, and a passion for agriculture.

Her agricultural knowledge was honed by her mother, who instilled in her a deep appreciation for the land. Once just a dream, Thornton’s hard work to turn a once-wooded land into a thriving cattle operation is now a reality.

With Greta leading the charge, the Thornton Family has transformed their property into a haven for agriculture over the years. From uprooting trees to raising cattle, she says every step has been a family effort.

While initially pursuing a career in the legal field, Thornton’s path took a different turn when she decided to trade the confines of an office for the open spaces of the farm — a transition that marked the beginning of her adventure into cattle farming. Undeterred by societal norms, Greta embraced her role as a female cattle farmer with determination.

Overseeing the day-to-day operations, Greta’s hard work extends beyond the fields. As the first woman elected to the County co-op’s Board of Trustees, she has become a voice for agriculture. Whether volunteering for safety fairs or contributing to the Cattleman’s Association, Greta’s commitment to her community shines.

Balancing farm life with her husband Mark, who runs a heating and air conditioning business, Greta embodies resilience and dedication. She manages the farm while Mark lends a hand, creating a harmonious partnership.

Related Stories
Meet the Coblentz Family, Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s District 6 Farm and Ranch Family of the Year for 2024.
Meet the Bobo Family, Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Farm & Ranch Family of the Year for 2024!

Agriculture Shows
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Farm Traveler is for people who want to connect with their food and those who grow it. Thanks to direct-to-consumer businesses, agritourism, and social media, it’s now easier than ever to learn how our food is made and support local farmers. Here on the Farm Traveler, we want to connect you with businesses offering direct-to-consumer products you can try at home, agritourism sites you can visit with your family, and exciting new technologies that are changing how your food is being grown.
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.
Host Ben Bailey hops in the tractor cab, giving farmers 10 minutes to answer as many questions and grab as much cash as they can for their local FFA chapter.