Warren County Extension Service Agent John Coccaro has been recognized among his peers — nationally and statewide — for his weekly column, which appears each Sunday in The Vicksburg Post, and his radio show, which had been broadcast on a local AM station.

Coccaro received first place in the Mississippi Association of County Agricultural Agents state public information awards program. By the National Association of County Agricultural Agents, he was named state winner of the 2008 communication award and received first place in the nation for his weekly morning show on WQBC, an AM station that now features an all-sports format.

Coccaro said one of the most interesting things about writing a column or having a radio show is the feedback he receives. He has gotten responses from as far away as Iraq.

“That’s kind of fun to me,” he said.

Coccaro has worked with the Extension Service for about 25 years, three of those in Warren County. He has a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University in animal science and a master’s in agriculture education. He and his wife, Michelle, have two children — Johnna and Patrick.

Myers promoted at IP’s local mill

Wayne Myers has been promoted to business unit manager, finished products, of International Paper’s Vicksburg Mill.

Myers will be responsible for operational aspects of the finished products department which include safety, productivity, operating budget and employee engagement. He has more than 20 years experience in the paper industry, including an assignment with IP’s corporate technology group.

Prior to joining the Vicksburg Mill, where he most recently served as an area manager, Myers was finished products manager at the Pine Hill, Ala., mill.

Myers has a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Mississippi State University. He and his wife, Stella, have two children, and are expecting a third.

Farm Bureau sets annual meeting

Mississippi Farm Bureau delegates will gather in Jackson Dec. 6-8 for their 87th annual convention.

At the meeting, the  organization’s policy book for the coming year will be adopted. The group is led by David Waide, a West Point row crop and cattle producer, and has 226,170 member families.

Events kick off at 9 a.m. Dec. 6 with the statewide talent contest and the Miss Farm Bureau-Mississippi contest.

Dec. 7 will feature a recognition and awards program during which the Distinguished Service, Excellence in Leadership, Ag Ambassador and Friend of Agriculture awards will be presented.

The final general session will be at 6 p.m. Dec. 7 and will include the announcement of the winners of the Young Farmer and Rancher Achievement Award.