Maurice Layton of Mendenhall, Miss., was awarded Farm Bureau’s Excellence in Leadership Award at the organization’s annual meeting in Jackson, Miss.

Layton has lived all his life in Mississippi and runs a cattle, poultry, and timber farm just outside Mendenhall. He has served agriculture by being involved with many agricultural organizations including the local 4-H clubs, the Simpson County Livestock Association, the Simpson County Cattlemen’s Association, the Soil and Water Conservation Commission, and the Federal Land Bank.

He has served on the Simpson County Farm Bureau board of directors since 1960 and was president from 1997-2006. He also served on the Mississippi Farm Bureau board of directors from 2000 to 2005.

“Farm Bureau has been a godsend,” said Layton. “When there was a hole to be filled, they helped fill it.”

David Waide, Farm Bureau president, said Layton “is one of the finest and most dedicated leaders that Farm Bureau has. He has spent his life working for agriculture and Farm Bureau.”

The Excellence in Leadership Award was established to recognize volunteer leaders of Farm Bureau who have made a significant contribution to Farm Bureau and agriculture in Mississippi. Their contributions have been performed as a result of unselfish effort to strengthen Farm Bureau and to enhance rural life in Mississippi.