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NEWS FLASH The Voice of Rural America • The Official Newsletter of the Winston County Self Help Cooperative SPRING • MAY 2021 • 2nd Edition • Visit us online @ www.wcshc.com • Saving Rural America
“WCSHC’S 2021 OUTREACH EFFORTS” G & G Farms Spring Field Day Recap Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency shared facts about their individual programs to assist farmers and landowners. Farm Service Agency personnel said CFAP-2 sign up began April 5, 2021. This financial assistance is for disruption in market prices caused by Covid19. NRCS is accepting applications for EQIP Emergency Disaster until May 7, 2021. This is only for high tunnel impacted by the cold weather of February 2021.We congratulate and thank the George Family for their commitment to help save rural America and for developing a legacy for future generations to enjoy.
Allen McReynolds presents WCSHC’s Help Save Rural America Certificate to the George family.
Individuals traversed over hills and valleys to participate in G & G Farms Spring Field Day held Thursday, April 29, 2021, in McCarley, MS. This small hamlet in McCarley is located west of Winona and east of Greenwood, MS. According to history, the Great Bluesman, Robert Leroy Johnson once played and entertained patrons at a local “Juke Joint” doing the roaring 1920’s. Another notable individual from this area is Willie “Satellite” Totten. This phenomenal quarterback threw many touchdowns passes to “All World,” wide receiver, Jerry Rice, at Mississippi Valley State University during the mid-1980’s. However, we must reveal an ugly and notorious footnote about this area. In 1955, Emmitt Till was savagely murdered, by known Klansmen, in Money, MS, less than
forty miles from McCarley. This prelude shows Mississippi’s personality of good and bad history. However, on this day, we observed the best of humankind at G & G Farms. The allure of G & G Farms drew participants closer to natural resources. Greg and Evelyn Nicks, of the Scott County Small Farmers and Landowners Organization, Forest, MS said they had heard of Mr. George’s acumen of farming through the public schools’ vo-tech system and Alcorn State University Alumni Association. Today, presented us a golden opportunity to meet the George Family personally and to observe this diverse farm operation. Additionally, the uniqueness of G & G Farms drew the attention of the 1862’s and 1890’s extension programs. USDA personnel from the Natural Resources
WINSTON COUNTY SELF HELP COOPERATIVE 2948 Highpoint-Weir Rd. Louisville, MS 39339 Phone: 601-291-2704 • Email: fltaylor@bellsouth.net Web: www.wcshc.com • “Saving Rural America”
Evelyn and Greg Nicks, SCSFLO
Otennica Boclear, MSU Extension
“USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender”
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Liddell Cattle Company Farm Field Day Seeds of Unity
Lights Beginning Farmer Workshop
Allen McReynolds presents Anthony Liddell with the WCSHC’s Help Save Rural America Certificate.
By Frank Taylor Email: fltaylor@bellsouth.net
The Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance, Winston County Self-Help Cooperative, and the Unlimited Community Agricultural Cooperative hosted a field day at Liddell Cattle Company Farm on May 6, 2021, in Crawford, MS. Perhaps, some of you are wondering, where is this place. As you know, Mississippi is a predominant rural state, consisting of several small urban centers, with Jackson, MS, being the most populated area in the state. Crawford is located less than one hundred miles west of Tuscaloosa, Ala, and seventy miles south of Tupelo, MS. You can best describe Crawford as a hybrid between a town and a village based on population. Crawford consists of several stores including a Dollar General, churches and other small businesses to germinate life in rural America. These characteristics reflect most places in Mississippi. Nevertheless, Crawford holds a trump card in this discussion because it is the home of the National Football League Hall of Famer “Jerry Rice”, the all-world football player. Jerry’s stature proved small places can and will continue to produce the best of humankind. This was represented at Liddell Cattle Company Farm on May 6, 2021. Farmers and landowners traveled from far and near to participate in this educational and informative cattle field day. Brandon McCray, Ala-NRCS, (ASTC) for Partnerships, traveled over 240 miles to participate and lend support to educate farmers and landowners. Allen McReynolds, WCSHC, said “Brandon articulated the importance of learning the steps to apply for conservation practices and how to obtain technical assistance through NRCS to enhance their farm entities.” Kori Watt, FSA, Loan Officer,
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Noxubee County Office, discussed a bevy of programs shuttled through their office to help farmers and landowners. She stated,“Individuals should participate in their local Farm Service Agency’s County Committee Elections. The qualifying and nomination period will start in early June.” Several attendees discussed, at length, their engagement and participation in USDA’s Programs to help enrich their farm operations. Orlando Trainer (UCAC), and Alvin Topp (MMFA) shared stories about their role in supporting landowners and farmers. Allen McReynolds presented Anthony Liddell with WCSHC’s Saving Rural America Certificate for his efforts in managing his natural resources and building a legacy for future generations to experience. Anthony thanked everyone for participating and expressed his gratitude for living in rural America. “We lived in Jackson, MS, for ten years, and we decided to return to our native home. This forethought created an opportunity for me to fulfill my childhood’s dream of starting a cattle operation. We are enthusiastic about the support received from our families and the outstanding boost up from various groups in helping the Liddell family achieve their dreams of farm ownership”, he stated.
Brandon McCray, Ala-NRCS
Young girl demonstrating irrigation technique.
The USDA defines beginning farmers and ranchers “as those who have operated a farm or ranch for ten years or less either as a sole operator or with others who have operated a farm or ranch for ten years or less.” Therefore, providing solid training for beginning farmers and ranchers is essential for their success and longevity. Additionally, raising the number of new and beginning farmers is one of the Winston County Self Help Cooperative’s goals. Teaching and training new farmers to take over for current farmers is a sure way of “Saving Rural America!” Throughout the state of MS, the Winston County Self Help Cooperative engage in communities and individuals desiring to learn the art/skills of being farmers. On May 1, 2021, in Winona, MS., Ms. Debra Skyes, a community activist, healthcare provider, and farm operator of Seeds of Unity Lights, along with the WCSHC, conducted a thorough training session for new and beginning farmers. The session topics included the importance of managing one’s soil to ensure a bountiful harvest. To further enhance the knowledge of the crowd, the Seeds of Unity Lights Beginning Farmer, Continued on page 3
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WCSHC celebrated Mother’s Day 2021
Seeds of Unity Lights Beginning Farmer, Continued from page 2 demonstration of planting produce in the ground correctly was performed.The presenter expounded on the process of maintaining a healthy operation through irrigating as needed, manually removing pests from products, placing secured shelter around the product to prevent damage from wildlife. Once the presenter gave the demonstration and instructions. All of the individuals (from the incredibly young to the well-seasoned adults) in attendance participated in the process. Due to the thorough instructions given, the attendees were confident to follow suit. Indeed, those who attended this event are well equipped to navigate through the process of starting their own farming business.
The ladies of WCSHC being served their Mother’s Day dinner.
The men of Winston County Self Help Cooperative celebrated the ladies of the cooperative with a dinner on Monday, May 3, 2021. We appreciate and love the ladies of WCSHC according to Bobby Hardin. “This is our yearly opportunity to honor these warriors and we are thankful for their efforts to build strong families and develop strong communities. Again, Happy Mother’s Day.
GREENSBORO GAZETTE NEWS FLASH
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NEWS FLASH PHOTO GALLERY, MAY 2021 Dee Dotson’s 2021 Spring Garden
Octavious’s Spring 2021 Garden
Kentucky State University alumni gathering
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GREENSBORO GAZETTE NEWS FLASH
This is why, I love rural America
WCSHC celebrated Mother’s Day 2021
G & G Farms Spring Field Day Recap
Jim Locke, FSA
Ashley Kellum, NRCS
GREENSBORO GAZETTE NEWS FLASH
James George and Alvin George
The George Family dog
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G & G Farms Spring Field Day Recap
Liddell Cattle Company Farm Field Day
Alvin Topp, MMFA
Kori Waytt, FSA Loan Officer
Anthony Liddell, Liddell Cattle Company
Orlando Trainer, UCAC
~ ANNOUNCEMENT ~ Winston County Self Help Cooperative Herbicide (Weed Control) Demonstration Thursday, June 3, 2021, 5:00 P.M. Location: Herman Fountain Farm, 5262 Hwy 80 Lawrence, MS 39336 You are invited to participate in this weed control demonstration. You will learn how to lower your input cost and maximize your profit. This weed control demonstration will be led by tested experts. Weeds will consume your fertilizer, moisture, sunlight, and other important elements needed to help produce nutritious grass for your cattle herd. Controlling weeds with herbicides are an economical practice that beef cattle farms should consider. The herbicide weed control demonstration will be led by retired Extension Agent, Allen McReynolds, and Dr. John Byrd, MSU Weed Specialist. Additionally, the Natural Resource Conservation Service staff will participate and provide technical support. For more information and to register contact Allen McReynolds 601- 513-4503 or Frank Taylor 601-291-2704. *PLEASE WEAR YOUR MASK AND BRING YOUR PERSONAL LAWN CHAIR*
Editor: WCSHC Team Leader Frank Taylor | Email: fltaylor@bellsouth.net | Phone: 601-291-2704