March 2020 | “HELPING FARMERS MANAGE THEIR NATURAL RESOURCES”
WCSHC 2020 Valentine’s Day Ladies Group Photo
By Frank Taylor Email: fltaylor@bellsouth.net
Scott County Small Farmers and Landowners Organization (SCSFLO) received clearance from their local optometrist to move forward with their planned goals in 2020. The optometrist stated, “SCSFLO pass all exams by scoring 2020 vision!” This means SCSFLO will enjoy a bountiful year of activities to help change lives in rural America. Allen McReynolds of Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC) said, “We enjoy working and partnering with SCSFLO to procure services to benefit farmers and landowners. We combined efforts on numerous projects in 2019. Therefore, we will double our commitment in 2020. As of today, we have conducted three joint events in the first 55 days of 2020. This unthinkable continuity propels our commitment to help families maintain their homesteads and passing on the gift of land. We will highlight in words and pictures about the first 55 days of 2020.”
SCSFLO piloted their fourth Save Rural America Conference (SRAC) on January 23, 2020, in Hillsboro, MS. SCSFLO added a new twist by combining efforts with Scott Central High School Attendant Center (SCHSAC). This venue allowed members and resource providers to engage with grades 9-12.“This was a fantastic opportunity to speak with students according to Eugene Livingston, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Forester for Area Two. Eugene connected with students because of his youthfulness. He said, “I am less than ten years removed from being where you are today. I understand your issues of not knowing what to expect and the uncertainties about life after graduation. My parents gave me an ultimatum of going to college or working on the family farm. I opted to attend Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA. However, my first year of college was not fruitful because I didn’t focus on my schoolwork. This turbulent period ended at the beginning of my sophomore year with thorough coaching from my parents and advisors, which changed my trajectory.”
SCOTT COUNTY SMALL FARMERS AND LANDOWNERS ORGANIZATION Little Rock M.B. Church, 642 Tallabogue Road, Forest, MS 39074 Greg Nicks, 601-507-1439 Sherrie Spivey, 601-507-2266
Eugene ended his presentation by challenging SCHSAC students to focus on graduating and developing a master plan to achieve long-turn success. Jody Matheny, Conservation Officer, MDWFP, highlighted his path as a student at SCHSAC into the military and back to civilian life. He encouraged students to focus on their goals and to work feverishly to achieve their dreams. Jason Hurdle discussed his days as a student in the Scott County Public School
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