14 • APRIL 2024
READER SPOTLIGHT Davis EDWARDS Why did you decide to make Rankin County your home? Rankin County is full of some of the nicest and most genuine people you will ever meet. Most of my friends and family live in or around Rankin County, and I have strong ties with the local community. I cannot think of a better place to call home. How long have you lived in Rankin County? My whole life, and I have loved every minute of it. In 1916, when my great-grandfather was three years old, he traveled, along with his siblings and parents, from Tennessee by train to the community of Fannin, and there our family has remained for generations. Tell us about your family. My wife and I make up the fifth generation of our family that have raised animals on our family farm in Rankin County. We currently don’t live on the farm but are there daily tending to the animals and doing farm work. My parents and grandparents do live on the farm, and we all work together to keep things running smoothly. Cool Creek Farm is definitely a group effort, and we each play a special part in its operations. I am blessed and very thankful to be able to do something I enjoy so much with my family. What is your favorite memory of living in Rankin County? Bringing my Highland cattle to the CelticFest on the Rez. I’ve brought them for several years, but it’s so fun to see the community come out and support such a fun event. My family and friends help me, and it is always a fun time. Where are your three favorite places to eat in Rankin County? The Pelahatchie Bay is definitely one of my favorites. My family has been eating there my whole life. I remember being a little boy and going several days a week with my greatgrandfather to eat and drink coffee. Another place I enjoy is Sunset Grill on Highway 43 before you go across the Rez. Their food is wonderful, and my uncle is one of the chefs there. It is a newer restaurant, so if you have not been, I highly recommend it. Osaka is also one of my favorite places. I think they have the best hibachi, and the volcano roll is fantastic! What are some fun things to do in Rankin County on the weekends? If you have kids and enjoy the outdoors, you can take the family to Winners Circle Park or the Flowood Nature Park to get some fresh air. McClain’s Resort is also a fun place where you can eat good food and see some cool animals. If you want something more competitive, try Black Axes or Fannin Lanes. Tell us about your occupation. I work at the Mississippi Department of Agriculture & Commerce as the outreach coordinator for the produce safety division. I work with growers of fruits and vegetables that are considered high risk because they are normally eaten raw, and there is no-kill step to reduce the risk of microorganisms that cause foodborne illnesses. I also work with MSU Extension to conduct trainings with growers so they can safely produce healthy and safe, local food for people in Mississippi. Tell us about Cool Creek Farm. Cool Creek is a family farm with the primary focus of raising heritage breeds of livestock. We raise Scottish Highland cattle, the oldest registered breed in the world, Hereford cattle, Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs, which are a critically endangered breed, Kiko goats, and a variety of poultry. We sell eggs and beef locally and plan to sell pasture-raised pork and goat meat next year as well. We also produce breeding stock for people who are interested in the breeds we raise. What are three things on your bucket list? To go to Scotland and visit with Highland cattle breeders. I would love to go to Balmoral Castle and see Queen Elizabeth II’s Highland cattle. I would also love to go to Africa on a safari and see animals in the wild. I would also love to go to New York for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! Who is someone you admire and why? I admire my dad because he instilled in me a love for animals and the farm. He is the MVP on the farm, and I definitely would not be able to do anything without his wisdom and guidance. He also taught me by example how to treat people with love and respect, whether they deserve it or not. What is your favorite childhood memory? When I was very young, my dad, great-grandfather, and I were in the pasture taking care of the cows. It’s a simple memory but it’s one that makes me smile, and it inspires me to keep working hard because I want my kids to know the peace and joy that comes from growing up on a family farm. If you could give us one encouraging quote, what would it be? “Agriculture is our wisest pursuit because it will in the end contribute the most to real wealth, good morals, & happiness.” – Thomas Jefferson Hometown RANKIN • 15