Greensboro Gazette News Flash 2nd Edition February 2021

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NEWS FLASH The Voice of Rural America • The Official Newsletter of the Winston County Self Help Cooperative WINTER • FEBRUARY 2021 • 2nd Edition • Visit us online @ www.wcshc.com • Saving Rural America

“Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” This News Flash embodies parts of Winston County Self Help Cooperative thirty-six years of serving rural America. Additionally, bits and pieces of Mississippi history are included. We hope you will learn some vital facts, which should urge you to become engage and develop new policies to chart a new course of history.

“Therefore, I am urging you to do what you do and excel beyond your imagination!”

WCSHC Team Leader, Frank Taylor

WCSHC Heifer Project Delivering Dividends 20 Years Later

WCSHC Feed Program

Shirley Eichelberger, participant in feed program

By Frank Taylor Email: fltaylor@bellsouth.net

Mary mounted an arduous pursuit over two years to find tangible opportunities for their co-op members. Along their enduring mission of searching, this formidable duo connected with Roger Jones, who served as Heifer International South-Central Project leader.

Roger extended an invitation for Winston County Self Help Cooperative’s Leadership Team to participate in Heifer International’s regional partners meetings, conducted in

The Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC) is providing rural communities and farm families with leadership during tumultuous and unsettling times. Rural communities are hemorrhaging from the loss of jobs, health care, school closures, mental stress, and COVID-19. WCSHC is working to fill in the gaps by supplying farm families with hope and inspiration. These disquieting times are causing significant issues for small farmers. The lack of sufficient income from their farm entities are forcing farm families to make difficult financial decisions. Some farmers are considering reducing or selling

WCSHC Heifer Project Delivering, Continued on page 2

WCSHC Feed Program Continued on page 2

WCSHC founding members (L) Omerio Dotson and (C) Mary Hannah. (R) Roger Jones, Heifer International

By Frank Taylor Email: fltaylor@bellsouth.net

Part One The Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC) received a treasured gift from Heifer International in 2001.This bequest has impacted and embedded hope in rural communities surrounding Winston County.WCSHC founding members, Mrs. Omerio Dotson, and Mrs. Mary Hannah, have transitioned, searched for a mechanism to fortify the co-op mission and spur on membership growth. Omerio and

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”

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WCSHC Feed Program Continued from page 1

The co-op uses a volume formula to reduce feed costs.

their farm operations. Allen McReynolds, WCSHC Member, stated, “Small farmers need lifelines to stay afloat, and this is the purpose of Winston County Self Help Cooperative to help farmers strategize and develop plans to regain their footing in this volatile industry. WCSHC received calls weekly from small farmers who need technical and financial assistance. Most requests center around maintenance of their animals, which means some form of feed.”

Allen emphasized that a grown, robust animal could consume more than ten pounds of feed per day during the winter months. As you can surmise, it could be too costly to maintain a herd of 30 cows. This is where Winston County Self Help Cooperative interjects its leadership to help small farmers minimize their input cost by purchasing supplies in bulk. The co-op uses a volume formula to reduce feed costs. To bring this idea to fruition, Winston County Self Help Cooperative formalized an agreement with a feed supplier. This prescribed business agreement allows members to purchase a high quality of feed at below market price.

Through WCSHC’s feed program, members accumulate savings to buy other needed farm supplies. John Scott stated, “My cows thoroughly enjoy consuming this rich mixture of feed. This blend of feed helps my cattle maintain their body weight and composition. I am thankful to be a part of the Winston County Self Help Cooperative’s Feed Program and this project is helping to lower my input cost.” Additionally, “Allen said our members and friends have incorporated conservation practices obtained through their local county Offices of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Cross fences, water troughs, and others practices through NRCS are invaluable to our members. I will encourage cattle farmers and others to call their local office of NRCS for more information.” If you want more information about Winston County Self Help Cooperative’s Feed Program, contact Allen McReynolds at 601-513-4503. WCSHC is working to help save rural America.

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WCSHC Heifer Project Delivering Dividends 20 Years Later Continued from page 1 Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas. This gateway permitted WCSHC’s Leadership Team to dialogue with experienced heifer project leaders and organizers. This evolving period allowed WCSHC’s Leadership Team to gain familiarity and learn the schematics of how to build a successful heifer project from veteran mentors. After completing the probationary period, the Winston County Self Help Cooperative received a $74,500.00 grant through Heifer International to purchase animals and equipment. The co-op procured and distributed 40 bred heifers on August 8, 2001, at Bennie Edwards’ Farm located on Highway 15 north in Louisville, MS. WCSHC members selected eight families for the initial distribution of heifers. Each family received five bred heifers with a promise of returning the first five quality heifers to WCSHC. These heifers would be passed on to other waiting families to help start their cattle operations.

According to records, WCSHC Heifer Project has produced over 600 animals over the pass twenty years, which has added thousands of dollars to the local economy by purchasing equipment, buying homes, paying ad valorem taxes, acquiring land, and the sale of animals.

The Winston County Self Help Cooperative will always be grateful for Mrs. Omerio Dotson and Mrs. Mary Hannah for their forward thinking.

They now have entered through heaven’s doors, but their impactful work remains with us on today.

Vaccinating cattle

Part Two As most individuals lounged in on Saturday morning, January 9, 2021, Allen McReynolds, and Alonzo Miller faced Mother Earth’s elements of frost and temperatures below 30 degrees. These ominous weather conditions would not deter this tag-team from delivering animals on behalf of Winston County Self Help Cooperative. This tag-team of veteran cattlemen readied their truck and trailer on Friday for a timely departure to Chris & Carolyn Jones Farm located in Okolona, MS. Chris & Carolyn organized (MMFA). I am sure most of you are not familiar with or never heard of Okolona, MS. However, this is the birthplace of the great poet, author, and novelist, William Raspberry. Mr. Raspberry was famous for his views on education. He served as managing

Allen McReynolds

William Raspberry, Okolona, MS native & famous journalist

Alonzo Miller

WCSHC Heifer Project Delivering, Continued on page 3

GREENSBORO GAZETTE NEWS FLASH

WCSHC Heifer Project Delivering Dividends 20 Years Later Continued from page 2 editor for the Washington Post Newspaper in Washington, DC. I will advise you to spend some time researching and learning about this outstanding Mississippian. As the clock’s long hand tilted past 7:00 am, Allen stated to his counterpart, “We should arrive at the Jones Farm by 8:30 a.m.” While in route, Alonzo and Allen refined their plan of action to vaccinate and load heifers onto the cattle trailer. As the truck traveled the last 50 yards along U.S Highway 45, Chris Jones motioned the tag-team onto the black prairie soil to start the transaction process. Alonzo and Allen thoroughly inspected each heifer to ensure they met WCSHC’s health standards. Before loading, each heifer received a cocktail of maintenance shots. This process ended with Alonzo Miller transferring proceeds to Chris Jones.“WCSHC previously purchased heifers from the Jones Farm with outstanding success, according to Alonzo. Presently, I am using a bull from Jones Farm to help enhance my herd genetics. If you are in the market to purchase quality heifers or bulls, then I would recommend you contact Chris Jones.

Civil rights workers, Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner

landowners manage their natural resources.

Carolyn Jones, Director of MMFA, said, “This work can be incredibly challenging at times, but the reward is worth the challenge. We, MMFA, have crossed many milestones in serving farmers and the general population.”

The Winston County Self Help Cooperative endorses MMFA’s efforts in making a difference in rural America. For more information, contact Carolyn Jones at 662-312-2423.

Chester Arthur Burnett aka “Howlin’ Wolf”

Carolyn and Chris Jones, MMFA

Part Three Winston County Self Help Cooperative continues to partner with the Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance (MMFA) to germinate change in rural underserved communities. This formidable organization sprung up in 2012.

MMFA’s portfolio of service is broad; however, the most crucial task is to help farmers and

(L) A. McReynolds, (C) A. Miller and (R) C. Bradley

GREENSBORO GAZETTE NEWS FLASH

Part Four After a final safety check of the truck and trailer, WCSHC’s Tag-Team prepared for a two-hours and forty-five minutes’ drive to Mr. Chester Bradley Family Farm, located in the small hamlet of Rose Hill, Mississippi (Jasper County). Allen McReynolds arbitrarily decided to drive along the most scenic corridor. This pathway shined a light on Mississippi’s good and sordid history. The first place of interest along Highway 45 was West Point, MS. This is the birthplace of the harmonica player, guitarist, and blues legend “Chester Arthur Burnett, better known as Howlin’ Wolf.” After partaking of Clay County, the tag-team eyed Highway 15 South to Neshoba County, MS, where the three civil rights workers, Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner, were viciously murdered in 1964 by the Ku Klux-Klan. As the tag-team approached the home stretch of the delivery, the terrain changed drastically into rolling hills, which indicated they were near Decatur, MS. This is where brothers Medgar Evers, the Mississippi NAACP’s first Field

Director, and Charles Evers, the first elected black mayor of Fayette, MS, were born. After turning onto Highway 503, Allen estimated, they should arrive within thirty-five minutes of their appointed destination to house the precious cargo. The final fifteen minutes of the long grueling drive, the tag-team discussed crucial details for unloading heifers and getting contracts signed. As the truck turned onto county road 16, Mr. Chester Bradley waved Alonzo and Allen onto his sprawling farm. Mr. Chester directed the tag-team to unload the Charolais cross and Angus cross heifers into the catch pen. Mr. Chester elaborated on his family’s collective efforts to help build this successful farm operation. Chester said,“My late wife provided leadership in making financial decisions and, she operated farm equipment to minimize labor costs. Additionally, she worked full-time as a nurse. Currently, my three daughters are involved in the family farm operation.” Upon completion of this conversation, Chester’s daughter, Candace, arrived and joined the caucus. Alonzo then explained the rules and regulations of WCSHC’s Heifer Program. After concluding this session, Chester, and Candace signed-off on contracts per heifer.“We know this will be a good fit for WCSHC and the Bradley Family,” according to Allen.“Mr. Chester has more than sixty-five years of experience in raising cattle. Chester’s keen skill set will help to reproduce resilient cattle.”The cooperative wants to thank Alonzo Miller and Allen McReynolds for taking time out of their busy schedule to deliver cattle to the Bradley family.

Civil rights activist: Charles Evers and Medgar Evers

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NEWS FLASH PHOTO GALLERY, FEBRUARY 2021

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R.B. Colter Farm

Craig Coleman Farm

P188 Farm

Rosie Harris Farm

Warner Hall Farm

Robert Robinson Farm

GREENSBORO GAZETTE NEWS FLASH

For Immediate Release Contact: Laura T. Anderson, Public Affairs Officer Phone: (601) 863.3922 Email: laura.t.anderson@usda.gov JACKSON, MS, February 1, 2021 - Mississippi USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist Kurt Readus announced the Small Limited Resource Farmer Initiative to be funded through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Mississippi agricultural producers and landowners who are eligible and wish to be considered for this year’s technical and financial assistance should apply by March 5, 2021.

This initiative aims to improve technical service and program participation through enhanced outreach efforts to small scale farmers. Mississippi NRCS is assisting small farmers in selecting practices that are best suited for their operations while at the same time low enough in cost to be effective and practical for small farms to implement and maintain. With the Small Limited Resource Farmer Initiative, the conservation benefit for small farmers will be improved through conserving their resources. These funds will be targeted to help small farmers who are historically underserved. A historically underserved producer is described as one of the below: • Beginning Farmer or Rancher – is new to farming or ranching or has operated a farm or ranch for less than 10-consecutive years.

• Socially Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher – is a member of a group whose members have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice because of their identity as members of that group without regard to their individual qualities.

• Veteran Farmer or Rancher – has served in the armed forces and has not operated a farm or ranch, has operated a farm or ranch for less than 10consecutive years, or first obtained veteran status during the last ten years.

• Limited Resource Farmer or Rancher – has a household income at or below the national poverty level. Eligibility can be determined by using this online tool.

Counties eligible for the Small Limited Resource Farmer Initiative in FY2021 include Attala, Choctaw, Kemper, Oktibbeha, and Winston.

Eligible acres can be any combination of cropland and/or grassland. Wooded areas will only be eligible for tree planting and site preparation practices.

Some of the practices in this initiative include practices to assist with erosion control, water management, grazing land management, livestock watering facilities, fencing, and irrigation systems.

To be eligible for irrigation practices, at least 10 percent of the cropland acres must be planted in alternative crops. Alternative crops are crops other than cotton, soybeans, wheat, rice, field corn, or similar crops grown on large acreage and produced for off-farm sale.

NRCS accepts applications for conservation programs year-round, but applications are ranked and funded according to ranking priority. Producers interested in technical and financial assistance should contact their local NRCS field office.

Interested producers can apply at their local USDA Service Center by submitting a Conservation Program Application (NRCS-CPA-1200). For more information on EQIP, visit nrcs.usda.gov or contact your local NRCS field office.

Recently, NRCS reminded historically underserved producers approved for funding through EQIP of the advanced payment option. This option allows them to get a portion of conservation practice payments in advance of the practice implementation.

Under the advance payment option, producers may request payments when they have final designs and job sheets and are ready to begin their EQIP practices. Advance payments provide at least 50 percent of the payment rate for each practice. The funds must be spent within 90 days of receipt, and practices must be completed as agreed to in an EQIP plan of operations. Producers also may opt to have NRCS pay the contractors or vendors directly.

NRCS provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment. More information on NRCS conservation programs can be found at https://www.farmers.gov/ or https://www.ms.usda.gov/ under the financial assistance tab.

COVID-19 Guidance: NRCS is under Covid-19 limitations. NRCS employees are limited in the amount of direct contact we can have with customers for your safety and ours. This does not mean field offices will not assist you. It only means that you may need to use other methods contact the office by phone or by email before making an office visit. We’ve provided a link to our online field office locator: http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov. By using this locator tool, applicants can find contact information for your local field office. Covid-19 is new for all of us, but we have found a way to operate and assist producers in an effort to treat environmental concerns.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.