THE GREENSBORO ECHO Page 2 - AUGUST 2010
NEWS FROM RURAL AMERICA
www.wcshc.com
Partnerships, Relationships, Networking And Getting, Continued from pg. 1
retired farm manager and raises beef cattle. After a catfish, barbeque rib and chicken dinner with all the trimmings, including many fresh vegetables from the garden, we toured the pastures and had an up-close look at many of the improvements being made to the farm. The most notable was the pond just built with the assistance of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. This family farm, just like the James’ farm, has been in the family for generations counting back to the early 1900’s. What’s so dynamic about this experience was the fact that these men who were strangers in 2005 have formed personal and professional relationships. The stories of Carl James, Warner Hall and Frank Taylor are all of great courage. Each individual entered the Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute in 2005 with visions of improving their communities through leadership development. According to Warner Hall, “we are making positive impacts in our communities with lessons learned through the Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute. We are using skills ascertained to implement and advocate policy change for the betterment of humankind and serve as ambassadors for small farmers across America. Leadership Class-1 extends kudos to Dr. Dawn Patin and 1890s colleagues for devising the Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute. This program is making a difference in rural America”. As the director of the Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute, it is most encouraging to see the dream being realized. The unstated goal of the leadership experience was to see small producers develop a network of sustainability and sufficiency, where they assist one another and share resources and information. The experiences of Wednesday, May 26, 2010 clearly demonstrate that both the stated goals and the unstated goals of the leadership classes are being realized. To follow these men’s journey and that of Class III of the leadership institute, join us at www.aginstitute. suagcenter.com.
Frank Taylor, Carl James Dawn Patin and Warner Hall
Warmer Hall & Mother Hall
Members enjoying Barbeque
Carl James’ (Bull-113)
Carl James’ Farm
Heifer International Creating Dividends heifers. Criterions included fence, water, forage, detainment area, and access to veterinary service. Additionally, recipients attained technical support in formulating farm plans through Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency and nonprofit organizations. After completing the vigorous training processes, WCSHC placed 5 bred heifers each with eight families. Recipients signed Letters of Agreement to maintain health of heifers and give back five quality heifers to help other beginning farmers start their cattle farms. As of today, WCSHC placed 200 bred heifers with 32 co-op members with 15 families waiting for pass on heifers. This gift from Heifer International By Frank Taylor, fltaylor@bellsouth.net continues to multiply and generate sustainability in Heifer International’s gift of animals continues rural communities through sales of heifer and bulls. to generate dividends for Winston County Self WCSHC’s Heifer Program contributed more than Help Cooperative members and for the county’s one million dollars to the local economy over a seven tax coffers. WCSHC received a grant of $74,500 year period. Under this initiative, WCSHC added from Heifer International in 2002 according to 15 beginning famers who purchased farmland, Mary Hannah founding member of WCSHC. “The wire, posts, tractors, hay equipment and other co-op purchased 40 bred Angus Heifers on August implements to manage their farm enterprises.” 8, 2002 from Miller’s Cattle Broker of Starkville, “Winston County Self Help Cooperative will MS. WCSHC’s Animal Health Committee and continue Heifer International’s principles and Local Extension Agent Mike Skipper developed ideology of helping their fellowman by giving guidelines and requirements for families to receive
back to the less fortunate and stimulate hope in impoverished rural communities” according to founding Member Omerio Dotson. WCSHC Membership conveys thanks to former HPI’s South Central Staff including Roger Jones, Jessie Strassburg, Sharon Satchel, Lisa Biglane, Elaine Wolverton, Michael Ashanti and current staff member Emily King for helping WCSHC create a successful heifer project and organization.