Greensboro Gazette News Flash 1st Edition January 2018

NEWS FLASH SPOTLIGHT

WINTER • January 2018 • 1st Edition • Visit us online @ www.wcshc.com

WCSHC and Partners in the First 72 Hours

Pg. 5 • WCSHC convened First 2018’s Business Session

Team Effort

Scott County Small Farmers and Landowners Organization’s (SCSFLO) 2nd Saving Rural America Conference participants

By Frank Taylor Email: fltaylor@bellsouth.net

If you’ve watched the television series “The First 48 Hours”, the narrator recounted the investigating officers must find substantial evidence within the first 48 hours to resolve the crime in a timely manner. The Winston County Self Help Cooperative and its partners borrowed this moniker with a twist ‘The First 72 Hours’ on January 18-20, 2018, to resolve matters impacting livelihoods in rural American. The WCSHC & hodgepodge of community-based organizations used their acumens and tentacles to educate farmers, landowners, students and others

about opportunities to strengthen families through the management of their natural resources. The investigated team identified their first clues at Scott County Small Farmers and Landowners Organization’s (SCSFLO) 2nd Saving Rural America Conference, Thursday, January 18, 7am, at Little Rock M.B. Church, 642 Tallabogue Rd, Forest, MS. According to SCSFLO member Greg Nicks, “Old man winter”relented for this informative conference to educate our community members about services through USDA, college institutions and community based WCSHC and Partners in the First 72 Hours Continued on page 3

WINSTON COUNTY SELF HELP COOPERATIVE P.O. Box 774 • Louisville, MS 39339 Phone: 601-291-2704 • Email: fltaylor@bellsouth.net • Web: www.wcshc.com “Saving Rural America”

By Staff

Alabama Crimson Tides Football Team won the 2018’s College Football National Championship (FNC) and the National Football League (NFL) will crown a new super bowl champion the first week of February. Surely, everyone wants to win and help hoist the trophy on the platform. In order to win, each player must be willing to sacrifice through practice, build continuity, camaraderie and exude a high-octane commitment to getting Team Effort Continued on page 3 CONNECT WITH US

2018 SRAC CONFERENCE PRESENTERS

Anthony Reed

Esmeralda Dickson

Allen McReynolds

Small Farm Outreach/Farm Management Specialist, Alcorn State University

NASS, Mississippi State Statistician

WCSHC, Agribusiness Specialist

NOPBNRCSE Immediate-Past President, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, State Conservationist Ohio

Fenton Pope

Darlene Bane

Freddie Davis

CCSHP President

Winston County Tax Accessor

Consultant Forester

Darrell Banks

Carloyn Banks

Teresia Hickmon

Extension Agent ll

ASU, Ag Business Management Specialist

David Watkins

Hope Collins

Up In Farms Food Hub

NRCS, Soil Conservationist Techician

Terry Cosby

Vivian A. Dickson

Jean Harper

USDA-NRCS, Outreach and Advocacy Division, Senior Analyst

WCSHC Youth Director

Patricia Pope

Mike Everett

Orlando Ellerby

CCSHP

Scott County, FSA, CED

MFC Outreach Forester

Dr. Walter Hill

Dr. Elizabeth Myles

Eloris Speight

Forensic Scientist

Tuskegee Univ, Dean (CAENS)

ASU, Marketing Specialist

Director of SDFR Policy Center

Sandra Jackson

Gadget Mills

Carrie Hernandez

Winston County 4-H Program Associate

BancorpSouth Bank

BancorpSouth Bank

Janice Hopkins

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President of Coalition for a Healthy Winston County

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WCSHC and Partners in the First 72 Hours Continued from page 1 organizations (CBOs), to help create stability in rural America. As individuals arrived, the smell of breakfast oozed from the church fellowship hall. This proposition stimulated participants to move with promptness to fill the waiting seats. SCSFLO members Evelyn Nicks and Sherrie Spivey served a southern breakfast to fire up the conference’s attendees. Vivian Sanders, SCSFLO member words of welcome created an atmosphere of easiness for attendees and presenters to engage and ask their vexing questions, why Mississippi continue to lag in health, income, education and the necessities to enjoy a quality life. Allen Crosswhite of USDA-Rural Development verbalized about the 502 and 504 housing programs. Crosswhite said, “You can obtain a 502 (Direct) loan to build or buy an existing home. Also, we offer the 504 loan and grant program. You can qualify for a one-time grant to repair health and safety issues such leaky roofs and restoration of bathrooms. Additionally, you can apply for a 504 loan at one percent interest to do the needed repairs. To qualify for the 502 and 504 housing programs, you must be veryvery low income.” Mike Everett, Scott County (CED) of Farm Service Agency (FSA) allocated information concerning disaster programs, youth loans and signing up for Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP).

Hope Collins, Soil Conservation Technician for NRCS, dispersed information focused on the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP). She indicated several in attendance received EQIP’s contracts in 2017 to manage

their resource concerns. Also, she encouraged participants to review their conservation plans yearly because other new programs may be available to benefit their entities.

Orlando Ellerby delivered unquestionable information concerning Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) where he serves as an Outreach Forester. Ellerby emphasized the need for assistance in selling your timber.

This person may charge up to 8 percent of the total sale, but one can usually recoup their cost through a forestry consultant.

Additionally, a forestry consultant will assist with reforestation details and ensuring the extractor adhere to the ‘Best Management Practices’ in harvesting your woodlot.

Esmeralda Dickson, NASS, Mississippi Statistician used a recurring theme of please fill out census forms because programs funding will be based upon the number of farmers counted. Therefore, please complete ASAP to be counted in 2017’s census. This conference ended with the “Closer”, the formidable Anthony Reed of Alcorn State University’s Extension Program. The game of baseball describes the “Closer” as the pitcher who can protect the lead and helps to ensure victory. By default, Reed received the designation as the “Closer” for SCSFLO’s second SRAC. Reed voiced greetings and prepared attendees for an indelible presentation on heirs’ property. Reed defined heirs’ property as undivided interest with no clear title of ownership. This issue plagues most families’ holdings in the deep south.

This linchpin inhibits families from selling or obtaining services through USDA to improve the quality of the natural resources. Reed encouraged participants to take proactive

Team Effort Continued from page 1 it done in ordinary and unordinary circumstances. This formula could best describe the Winston County Self Help Cooperative and its allied partners in delivering relevant information to enhance life in rural America through multiple Saving Rural America Conferences.

“We appreciate our partners’ wiliness to assist in educating farmers, landowners and natural resources enthusiasts” per Bobby Hardin, a founding member of WCSHC. As a team, we are thankful for the opportunity to help share our purpose and mission of empowering individuals with knowledge to protect their ancestral legacies of land. Therefore, for the next two weeks, we shall be crisscrossing across Mississippi sharing our message of Saving Rural America.

WCSHC THANKS FOUNDING MEMBERS FOR 33 YEARS OF SERVICE IN RURAL AMERICA.

Dee Dotson

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measures by developing wills, trusts, life estates or mechanisms to pass on fee simple ownership. As the conference concluded, individuals lamented about information shared. Fenton Pope of Covington County Self Help Group complimented SCSFLO for creating a venue for landowners and farmers to learn from resource providers. Linden Ball of WCSHC said “After attending last year’s conference, we decided to participate in 2018. This conference allowed interactive discussions between presenters and attendees. We call this hands-on knowledge which helps us disseminate current and relevant information.” This session ended with participants receiving lunch plates.

WCSHC & SCSFLO extend thanks to Phyllis Caples, Joseph Sanders, Mae Williams, Bobby Joe Spivey and Toney Sander for their noble service. After major discussions in how to engage our youth, SCSFLO decided to “Take it to the Streets” in 2018. Greg Nicks obtained permission from Forest Scott County Votech Center in Forest, MS for Hope Collins-NRCS and T’arie Todman-WCSHC to elaborate on careers in agriculture. They shared with three juniors and seven seniors gathered in a nice size classroom at the VoTech Center.

T’arie and Hope shared with the students their original career paths Pharmacy and Law Enforcement respectively, and how they transitioned into an Ag related field. A tough crowd, the pair changed the tune of their message and shared real-time stories from their past. This method worked and sparked candid conversations with the students. We hope this collaboration will enlighten our next generations of farmers and landowners.

Columbus McReynolds

Bobby Hardin

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Results in 72 Hours In seventy-two hours the Winston County Self Help Cooperative, Scott County Small Farmers and Landowners Organization, Winston County Self Help Youth Group, Unlimited Community Agricultural Cooperative and Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance engulfed 645 individuals with knowledge and information to transform rural America into an oasis of hope for future generations. This 72 hours of unforgettable work afforded farmers, landowners and students to exchange ideas about growing healthier foods and treating Mother Earth with respect for others to enjoy clean air and water to develop livable communities.

Thanks for your time and efforts and we will see you along the path in rural America.

WCSHC Business Session participants

SCSFLO 2nd SRAC participants

WCSHC Youth Group 11th SRAC participants

WCSHC’s T’arie Todman at UCAC 3rd SRAC

Henry Parrott’s Testimonial WCSHC assisted Scott County Forest Landowner, Henry Parrott with managing his Forestland and executing a timber extraction.

WCSHC’s timber consultant cruised Parrott‘s timber which proved beneficial. This relationship helped increase my overall timber price by $9,000.00 according to Henry. “I am thankful to the WCSHC for allocating this valuable service to my family.

The additional dollars helped defray family expenses and provided financial assistance with other farm projects.

Scott County Forest Landowner, Henry Parrott

Motivational Speech to Eiland MS

By T’arie Todman Email: tarieltwcshc@gmail.com

Forty-seven years ago, Frank Taylor, was a student at Eiland Middle School. However, in 1971, Eiland School, was Louisville, MS school for only colored children. On January 20, 2018, Frank Taylor returned to his humble beginnings to offer a motivational speech encouraging thirty-five seventh graders and one-hundred and thirty-three (133) eighth graders to stay committed to learning. His speech opened with a question, what is the purpose of being at school? Different students responded with their versions, but didn’t quite get the answer he was looking for, ‘it’s an institution for learning.’ However, detection of students’ attitudes, caused the conversation to change quickly. Frank said, “Drop your attitude and get serious, the streets want you and it will eat you all alive.

Use your apparatus; pen, paper, and pencil, and plan your schematic so that you can create your path. I too was a knucklehead and was obnoxious, but thankfully, I surrounded myself with friends, who were committed to getting it done. I followed suit; this allowed me to go to college on a partial academic and full athletic scholarships.” T’arie Todman also spoke with the students about pursuing a career they love. “If you don’t chase something you love you will not sustain.”

When asked, what they planned to pursue, many raised their hands, eager to share their aspirations. From nurse anesthetics, forensic scientist, mechanical engineer, air force airmen, professional athletes, and much more. The motivational session ended with a plea of staying focused, getting done, and understanding that the decisions made today will impact their future.

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WCSHC Team Leader Frank Taylor

GREENSBORO GAZETTE | NEWS FLASH

WCSHC Youth Group The Winston County Self Help Cooperative Youth Group celebrated their 11th Youth Conference, Friday, January 19, 2018, 7:30 am at Louisville Coliseum, Louisville, MS. Jean Harper, WCSHC Youth Director said this year’s theme “Cultivating Diversity, Producing Changes for Future Generations” accentuated the need for youth involvement in agriculture. We hope to enlighten the juniors and seniors from Louisville High School to consider agriculture as a career or hobby. According to researchers the world population will swell over 9 billion individuals by 2050. American farmers continue to increase in age, with few replacements in the pipeline. Therefore, we need to encourage and demonstrate the possibilities in agriculture. This year’s conference provided students with handson experiences and learnings by doing

educational activities. Students engaged in learning sessions focused on health and nutrition, plant science, forestry, Ag in the classroom,financing and physical activities,to promote a healthy lifestyle.” Sandra Jackson, Winston County 4-H Program Associate and Janice Hopkins, President of Coalition for a Healthy Winston County promoted the Taste of Winston County. 2018’s menu included locally grown turnip greens, sweet potatoes pies and cornbread. The “Taste of Winston County” highlights local farmers and their products to make inroads with the next generation of consumers. The Winston County Self Help Youth Group expresses gratitude to everyone for their participation in generating hope for small communities across rural America during our 11th SRACs. Also, thanks to the Louisville Public School district for their continued support.”

WCSHC Convened First 2018’s Business Session

Winston County Self Help Cooperative members participating in their inaugural 2018 Business Session.

By Staff

As others turned over in their beds for the last snooze of the morning on Friday, January 18, 2018, the Winston County Self Help Cooperative members and friends assembled at the Louisville Coliseum for their inaugural 2018 Business Session. The clock’s hands ticked pass 5:50am and co-op members started teaming in the parking lot before entering the building for an hour of learning about land retention issues. You can define land retention as minimizing the risk of loss. Land loss affects and impacts socially

disadvantaged landowners at a higher rate than the main stream communities. Socially disadvantaged landowners continue to lose land at an alarming rate through delinquent taxes, heirs property issues, misunderstanding between family members, and/or the elevation of tax levies. WCSHC work closely with other groups to develop workable strategies to hinder this situation.

This year’s tax levy increased by 15 percent on the average across Winston County. “We need answers why our taxes ballooned in 2018”, according to Allen McReynolds of WCSHC. For answers, WCSHC invited Winston

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County Tax Assessor, Darlene Bane, to speak at the early morning session for constituents to voice their concerns. According to Darlene, the state of Mississippi reappraised each parcel of land and the state attached new rates. Several individuals wanted to know how the state of Mississippi could impose new rates of taxes without notification to tax payers. Other questions included, “why small parcels of less than 10 acres received a higher levy, and when and what do you need to sign up for Homestead Exemption?” WCSHC members will work with Winston County Chancery Clerk to obtain a list of delinquent tax payers. WCSHC will use the information to further inform individuals they need to pay their taxes before the delinquent tax sale scheduled for Monday, August 27, 2018, upstairs in the county’s courtroom.

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UCAC 3rd SRAC

By Staff

At the beginning of each year Saving Rural America Conferences are pinned as seminars that equip and propel individuals with vital information and tools across Mississippi, to help save rural America. On Friday, January 19, 2018, at 12 pm, the Unlimited Community Agriculture Cooperative (UCAC) hosted their third SRAC at BJ3 Center in Starkville, MS. For some participants, this event was their second SRAC for the day, while others used their lunch break or paid time off to be a part of this epic event. A delicious lunch consisting of goat meat (prepared by one of the speakers Thomas Legiandenyi), fried and baked chicken, gumbo, rice, salad, baked beans, green beans and coleslaw was awaiting attendants to consume on arrival.

Orlando Trainer, President of UCAC, started the session with the purpose of the event followed by several speakers from different organizations. Esmeralda Dickinson, MS State Statistician, NASS took the audience to the church by having each participant look at their neighbor and say, “It is Census Time”! She explained, not completing the census could significantly impact MS farmers

MMFA 4th SRAC

By T’arie Todman Email: tarieltwcshc@gmail.com

Old man winter has visited not the only the northern states but southern states as well, to include MS this year.

Earlier this week, snow fell on the ground and temperatures dropped well below freezing, causing ice to form. Schools and other businesses closed because of the inclement weather. Perhaps, those who were planning to attend Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance (MMFA) fourth annual SRAC event thought the weather

financially in the event of natural disaster, drought, etc. Between 2008 and 2012 the percentage of reported farmers dropped significantly. Esmeralda concluded with a plea to please be cooperative to individuals who are working to collect vital census information via phone, mail, or in person.

Fran Brock, MSU State Extension Agent III, discussed 4-H opportunities for youth to be involved.

Additionally, she shared an array of courses and services offered by extension to the community such as health and wellness. Dr. Thomas Legiandenyi, MSU State Extension Agent III shared his expertise on the importance of knowing your soil to determine what vegetation would thrive on your land. Doug Naron, Farm Service Agency, talked extensively about microloan eligibility requirements. Also, he shared accounts on how to strategically plan to borrow money via FSA. Chuck Lea, NRCS shared the ranking process for EQIP practices and encouraged each participant to visit their USDA office, he also, expounded on Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Orlando Ellerby, Outreach Forester, Mississippi Forest Commission, shared the importance of having a forestry plan. Forestry planning could prevent fires, improve growth of trees,

would impact the conference. However, on Saturday, January 20, 2018, the temperature was nearly perfect at 66 degrees. Such temperatures offered hope to individuals to attend planned events. This was the case for MMFA’s 4th SRAC with almost 100 participants. Carolyn Jones, Director of MMFA, began the session with the event’s purpose. Ms. Jones shared a beautiful opening that charged the participants to be helpful to their communities. Her opening resonated through the minds of the attendees during the entire meeting. The Tennie Group discussed the importance of record keeping and how it can impact their farming operation. Eugene Young, Regional Director, NASS conveyed to the audience the significance of completing 2017’s census. If you were in the room, one would quickly realize MMFA’s SRAC was well represented by 1890 universities with Alcorn State and Tuskegee University personnel. These landgrant institutions have done/are doing an outstanding job assisting our rural communities to thrive. Dr. Walter Hill, Dean College of Agriculture Dr. Hill recapped the necessity of being relevant to others.

Dr. Elizabeth Myles, Marketing Specialist,

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enhance individuals’ profit, etc. Anthony Reed, Alcorn State University, concluded with a critical topic, Heirs Property/Estate Planning. He recounted various stories of farmers encountering issues involving the topics above.The workshop wrapped up with Orlando Trainer sharing words of gratitude and good health.

Alcorn State, recounted her account growing up on the farm and how grateful, she was to her father for instilling strong work ethics. Dr. Myles also shared her role in assisting farmers to market their products for sale. Bill Evans, Up In Farms Food Hub, discussed how he and his organization could help farmer’s sale their products.

USDA personnel discussed services offered through NRCS and FSA. Allen McReynolds, WCSHC, informed the participants of NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) deadline is March 2, 2018, and encouraged all to apply before the expiration. Eloise and Cassandra Wilder gave a detailed account of the policy center’s mission, to make policy recommendations that will improve the success of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Debra Gunn-Sutton, a family nurse practitioner,discussed the importance of eating well.

Also, she expressed different opportunities farmers can offer communities their fresh produce. Jerry Smith, VP, MS Association of Conservation District, shared his organization role in the community. The program concluded with a delicious and healthy lunch and local farm presentations.

GREENSBORO GAZETTE | NEWS FLASH

2018 SRAC CONFERENCE PHOTO GALLERY

WCSHC’s Inaugural 2018 Business Session participants

WCSHC Youth Group Director Jean Harper & SCSFLO Greg Nicks

SCSFLO 2nd Saving Rural America Conference participants

WCSHC Youth Group 11th Saving Rural America Conference participants

NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS SERVICE 2017’S CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE. Are you a farmer? If so, have you received your 2017’s Census of Agriculture? Completing your Census of Agriculture is pivotal for farmers. Totals received from the census are used to determine how funding can be designated to farmers living in a particular state, city, county, in cases when natural disaster impacts ones’ operation. The deadline to complete the 2017 Census is February 20, 2018. If you haven’t received your form yet, please contact the Winston County Self Help Cooperative at 662-446-2423 for additional assistance.

2018 WCSHC’S SAVING RURAL AMERICA CONFERENCE REMAINING SCHEDULE Saturday, January 27, 2018 @ 7:30 am Mid-South Progressive Agricultural Group 5th Saving Rural America Conference David L. Beckley Center (Rust College) 150 Rust Avenue Holly Springs, MS 38635

GREENSBORO GAZETTE | NEWS FLASH

Saturday, February 3, 2018 @ 7:00 am Covington County Self Help Project 7th Saving Rural America Conference Multipurpose Building 68 Collins, MS 39428

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SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

Editor: WCSHC Team Leader Frank Taylor | Email: fltaylor@bellsouth.net | Phone: 601-291-2704 Layout and Design: Marqueus Draper