WCSHC April 2018 News Blast 2nd Edition

NEWS BLAST WINSTON COUNTY SELF HELP COOPERATIVE’S

SPRING • April 2018 • 2nd Edition • V isit us online @ www.wcshc.com

“94 years old Dee Dotson Scott County’s ASU Chapter keeps on Ticking” Celebrated

Mr. James “Bo” Clark a.k.a. “Mr. Alcorn State University”

By Frank Taylor Email: fltaylor@bellsouth.net

WCSHC founding member Mr. Dee Dotson

Mr. Dee Dotson continues to defy time in his commitment to helping save rural America by commingling with the natural resources daily. I stopped by for an unannounced visit on Tuesday, April 3, 2018, and I found my Uncle Dee tending his 2018’s garden with a hoe, shovel, and rake. I asked the proverbial question, what time did you start your day?

Uncle Dee replied with a refreshing smile and said, I lifted from my bed at 5 a.m. If, you want to meet an amazing man standing in good health and spirit, then, you need to visit with my Uncle Dee. Mr. Dotson, the members of Winston County Self Help Cooperative and the community at large extends love and appreciation for your years of service to benefit humankind. “Keep Moving Forward.”

WINSTON COUNTY SELF HELP COOPERATIVE 3450 Shannon Dale Drive • Jackson, MS 39212 Phone: 601-291-2704 • Email: fltaylor@bellsouth.net • Web: www.wcshc.com “Saving Rural America”

Some people described Good Friday as the beginning of the Resurrection, yet, others called it the beginning of their vacation season.

However, we found the faithful members and friends of the Scott County’s Alcorn State University Alumni Chapter at Roosevelt State Park in Morton, MS, celebrating and giving back to the greatest educational institution in the world. Individuals drove from far and near to be a part of this astounding celebration to help make a difference for future generations on March 30, 2018, 7p.m.

The planning committee greeted attendees with welcoming Alcornites’ smiles as they retrieved tickets and issued out programs for the banquet. The planning committee washed the entire building in purple and gold paraphernalia as a reminder to visitors Scott County’s ASU Chapter Celebrated Continued on page 2

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Scott County’s ASU Chapter Celebrated Continued from page 1 not to mistake this event as a Lynch Street gathering. This venue reminded me, why Alcorn State University should exist into perpetuity and receive paramount funding from the Mississippi State legislative body as other universities. This institution has made a way out of no way for thousands of students to earn a college education. This pathway forward has allowed the Brave Nation to return this favor for others to ascertain degrees and make major contributions to society. Yes, you Alcornites have left an indelible mark for others to emulate in turns of your persistent financial commitment and the support of the university causes. This untiring love will help guarantee Alcorn State University’s future for the next 400 years.

We appreciated Scott County’s ASU Alumni Chapter for honoring the late Mrs. Pearl Clark, the wife of Mr. Bo Clark. Although, Pearl graduated from Jackson State University, she fully embraced Alcorn State University because she loved Bo and she understood the commitment of both universities to educate socially-disadvantaged students.

This befitting moment-initiated tears of

What is SNAP?

Some people may define “SNAP” as a form of dance or a way of telling you to be quiet in a cool way. Yet, the SNAP referred to in this article, more than 46 million individuals depend on this paramount program to meet their daily food consumption. The

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joy from some attendees because they knew Pearl was on a well-meaning mission to help humanity. Mrs. Zelmarine Murphy, guest speaker recanted about being an alumna of Alcorn and why you should support the university with your financial donations. She said, “Scott County may be considered a small chapter in the number of members. Nonetheless, they rank in the top tier in financial giving to the university.” At length, the speaker expounded on why you should send your child or children to Alcorn.

Enthralling the audience with this question, she asked, “How many of you found your life’s long mate at Alcorn?” After observing the number of raised hands, she modestly said, “This is one valid reason to continue the legacy.” We extend congratulations to Scott County’s Alcorn State University Alumni Chapter for a grand celebration. Additionally, we would like to express our admiration for the Scott County chapter’s commitment to help sustain Alcorn State University’s role in higher education.

View Scott County’s ASU Chapter Celebrated Photo Slideshow @ https://youtu.be/XuQAp6Us9sY

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps stave off hunger in one in six rural households. The president’s proposed budget for 2019 will cut this well-needed program by $214 billion over the next decade.

Thereby, greatly impacting rural Americans.

Formerly known as the nation’s “Food Stamp Program,” from 2010 to 2015, rural America’s SNAP participation rate rose from 12.5 percent to 16 percent, exceeding the national average. Overall SNAP enrollments have declined following the Great Recession, but rural SNAP rates have remained high as economies have been slow to recover. Given the broader socioeconomics of rural America, the importance of SNAP is heightened. SNAP exists as a resource to help negate concerns of food security for seniors with limited incomes as they care for themselves and balance expenses. The program is also a resource for families with children under the age of 18, providing nutrition that is essential for childhood development. A greater percentage of rural households among both demographic groups, participate in SNAP than do nationally. As policymakers deliberate the funding and future of SNAP in the 2018 farm bill and broader entitlement reforms, SNAP must be recognized as an

investment in rural communities. SNAP is, and needs to be, maintained as a critical safeguard against food insecurity and poverty for rural residents. Eliminating SNAP will enact serious harm to communities all over the US. However, while we wait for the outcome of SNAP benefits, there is excellent news. Individuals can start small home gardens to ensure the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables daily. For information on starting a small home garden, please contact your local county extension office.

WINSTON COUNTY SELF HELP COOPERATIVE’S NEWS BLAST

SCSFLO 2018 Business Session SCSFLO’s

Small Herd Health Management Program

Scott County Small Farmers and Landowners Organization’s Greg Nicks and Henry Parrot

After a night of rain, the skies over Scott County showed hope for Scott County Small Farmers and Landowners Organization.

My drive north on Hwy 35, I noticed signs of spring on both sides of the path. We observed several gardens with turned soil in preparation for 2018’s planting. These indicators projected rural Americans would be using previous skills to provide sustenance for their families through the management of the natural resources. This overview eased my drive onto Old Hillsboro Road towards Little Rock M. B. Church for SCSFLO First Business Session of 2018 on Thursday, March 29, 2018. We arrived at 5:44p.m and the parking lot contained more than eight vehicles. This backdrop set the tone for an informative business session of the minds.

Little Rock M. B. Church, Deacon, Greg Nicks call the business session to order at 5: 58p. m and offered words of prayer. Ashley Lyle, Little Rock Church member voiced words of welcome. Frank Taylor, WCSHC Team Leader showered attendees with thanks for being on time. Frank said, “Today’s attendants created hope for members and the community through timely commitments.” Sherrie Spivey (SCSFLO) member sprinkled thoughts about NOPBNRCSE Conference in Atlanta, GA held, December 1-3, 2017. Additionally, Bobby Joe Spivey, Hope Collins, Greg and Evelyn Nicks and Jody and Mrs. Matheny attended NOPBNRCSE. Greg Nicks and Tony Sanders imparted positive thoughts about feed purchased on December 27, 2017and March 3, 2018. Tony said, “my cattle enjoys

consuming this highly quality feed mixture.”

Greg reported SCSFLO second Saving Rural America Conference, January 18, 2018. This event offered a variety of subject matters to enhance life in rural communities. ”Greg Nicks reported on program honoring Frank Taylor for his life commitment to help save rural America at the Winston County Extension Office in Louisville, MS on February 12, 2018.

Mae Williams, SCSFLO member presented a power-point presentation reflecting Frank’s work in rural communities. Frank conveyed thanks to his Scott County Family for their love and support. SCSFLO members attended Alcorn State University Extension Program’s Small Farmers Conference in Natchez, MS, on March 26-28, 2018. Mae Williams said, “She thoroughly enjoyed the experience at Alcorn State Univ. Small Farmers Conference.

We attended numerous educational workshops and field trips to broaden our knowledge about living in rural America.”

Frank asked Vivian Sanders to lead the “Empowering Families Through Collective Preparation” of food Demonstration. This setting will provide individuals with tips in preparing quality food which means Value+Health+Time equal a better quality of life. SCSFLO members will host a Canning Workshop in early summer. Frank reminded attendees to pay their Delinquent Land Taxes before Tax Sale scheduled for Monday, August 27, 2018. He encouraged participants SCSFLO 2018 Business Session Continued on page 4

WINSTON COUNTY SELF HELP COOPERATIVE’S NEWS BLAST

By Frank Taylor Email: fltaylor@bellsouth.net

As the last juke joint closed its doors between Walnut Grove and Forest, MS and Friday night weather pass through, the skies undraped Saturday morning, April 7, 2018, for Evelyn Nicks, Sherrie Spivey and Beulah Shepherd to tackle the massive task of preparing breakfast for hungry individuals, who traversed from across the state of Mississippi. This supreme cooking team prepared grits, sausages, bacon, biscuits, served with several beverages including coffee. The looming smell of breakfast caused individuals to shorten their conversations in the parking lot with eagerness to consume the awaiting bounty of breakfast food in Little Rock M. B. Church’s Fellowship Hall, 643 Tallabogue Road, Forest, MS. Greg Nicks offered blessings of the sustenance and beseeched safe travels for forthcoming participants.

We witnessed several participants double dipping into breakfast before others could be served, however, this tidbit brought smiles to the food preparation team.

This platform created a conducive environment for the beginning of Scott SCSFLO’s Small Herd Health, Continued on page 4

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SCSFLO 2018 Business Session Continued from page 3 to inform others about paying taxes before deadline. The Chancery Clerk will publish a delinquent tax list in the local newspaper starting in July 2018. This delinquent tax list will appear in the Scott Times Newspaper for four consecutive weeks. Additionally, the sheriff department or constables will attempt to hand deliver notices of 2015’s taxes. ” SCSFLO members and friends delivered a round of applause to Hope Collins, Scott County, NRCS, Soil Technician for delivering timely services to farmers and landowners.

Several members shouted, we appreciate Hope’s attitude of getting it done for all individuals with interest in managing their natural resources. The First Business Session ended at 6:55pm with prayer by Deacon Tony Sanders. Vivian Sanders distributed to go bags for participants, which included hot dogs, egg rolls, chips, pie and sodas. We extend words of gratitude to Pastor Sheldon Thomas and the Little Rock M. B. Church Family for allowing SCSFLO to meet at the church.

View 2018 SCSFLO March Business Meeting Photo Slideshow @ https://youtu.be/khUM1o8qBlk

SCSFLO’s Small Herd Health, Continued from page 3 County Small Farmers and Landowners Organization’s Small Herd Health Management Program. Allen McReynolds, WCSHC, Ag-Business Management Specialist requested participants to reassemble and prepare for an enlightening program, to benefit small herd farmers. Vivian Sanders quieted the assembly with a pulsating welcome of empathy and hope.Tony Sanders, a cattle and poultry farmer, gave a brief overview of his operation. Allen regained the floor and stated today’s purpose.” This program will provide a wealth of proven methods to help stimulate ideas to improve herd health. Allen posed the question; how do you reduce your feed input cost? Someone answered,“by managing your forages.”Yes,we need to structure quantifies grazing systems to support our animals feeding habits yearround. Additionally, we should develop a record-keeping portfolio to understand profit and loss. Also, this would help identify negatives in your farm operation. Allen urged attendees to develop conservation plans

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by sourcing assistance through the local office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Allen reemphasized, you should listen and ask pertinent questions doing the presentations. These remarks led to the first presenter of the morning Hope Collins, NRCS, presentation focused on the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP). She said the Natural Resources Conservation Service can assist with developing healthy soils to produce persistent forages and help reduce input cost. Carolyn Banks, Alcorn State Univ. offered a buffet scales of retaining records.

Carolyn coerced participants to form habits of keeping records of expenditures to gauge your farm entity’s profitability. Esmeralda Dickson, NASS, Mississippi State Statistician, repeated the chore, we need you to complete your census form today and return ASAP. As of today, NASS only received slightly over 1800 census forms from Mississippi’s social disadvantaged farmers. Therefore, we need you to remind other to fulfill their obligations and to be counted. After these substance presentations, the seminar shifted to Tony Sanders Farm, where participants encountered inclement weather conditions

of rain, wind and a temperature of 50 degrees. However, Rocky Lemus of Misstate University Extension Service led participants on a walk in the pasture. On this pasture analysis, Rocky conveyed methods and ideas for small farmers to achieve profitability by understanding how to accumulate sustaining forages through a regiment of caring for the soils. Michael Trusclair, USDA/ ASU Liaison echoed the subject matter of Producing/Marketing Premium Calves.

“Michael explained the schematic of time, dollars and energy. You need to generate income from your herd by calculating metrics in a cycle.” Dr. L. C. Peyton, Veterinarian and team members performed a bevy of services including castrations, shots and spray for insects. Several beginning and veteran farmers stated,“this hands-on demonstration provided guidance for their herds health.”

This setting ended with questions and answers session. Allen McReynolds thanked Michael Trusclair, Carolyn Banks, Hope Collins, Esmeralda Dickson, Dr. Rocky Lemus, Dr. L.C. Peyton and team members for an informative program to help sustain small farmers.

WINSTON COUNTY SELF HELP COOPERATIVE’S NEWS BLAST

April News Blast Photo Gallery SCSFLO’s Small Herd Health Management Program

Esmeralda Dickson

Dr. L.C. Peyton

Michael Truclair

Hope Collins

Carolyn Banks

Dr. Rocky Lemus

Allen McReynolds

Scott County’s ASU Chapter Celebrated

SCSFLO 2018 Business Session

WINSTON COUNTY SELF HELP COOPERATIVE’S NEWS BLAST

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TKO’S

FARMING COVER CROP FIELD DAY

TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 2018 TIME: 10:00 AM 458 KENNEDY ROAD MCCOOL, MISSISSIPPI 39108

This is your invitation to participate in TKO’s Farming Cover Crop Field Day. Attendees will see a demo of a cover crop being applied (Native seed varieties). Seeds are compliments through Sustainable Agricultural Research and Education (SARE) Grant funding. Personnel Choctaw County’s Office Natural Resources Conservation Service will discuss their practices and assist attendees with filling out applications various applications for various services through the agency.

Additionally, Choctaw County Extension Office will explain the potential benefits of planting cover crop maintaining soil health on vegetable farms, including organic matter enrichment, weed suppression, nutrient recycling and nitrogen fixation. Benefits of using cover crops reduce erosion, adds organic matter which improves soil structure and water holding capacity, suppresses weeds, recycle and/or captures excess nutrients, and supplies symbiotically fixed N (nitrogen) to subsequent crops.

If you need an accommodation to participate in this activity or event, please contact Latrice Todman at 662-446-2423 , or by e-mail at tarieltwcshc@gmail.com by Tuesday, April 10, 2018.

THIS EVENT IS HOSTED BY THE WINSTON COUNTY SELF HELP COOPERATIVE | WCSHC.COM | 601-291-2704

WINSTON COUNTY SELF HELP COOPERATIVE 3450 Shannon Dale Drive • Jackson, MS 39212 Phone: 601-291-2704 • Email: fltaylor@bellsouth.net Web: www.wcshc.com • “Saving Rural America”

PLEASE STAND UP AND BE COUNTED TODAY!

Members of Winston County Self Help Cooperative have completed their 2017’s Census of Agriculture forms. Therefore, the WCSHC urges other farmers and farm groups to complete their Census of Agriculture as soon as possible. Please, stand up and be counted today, by returning your census form immediately. Individuals can mail their form or can complete it electronically. However, it’s vital to move forward today and join the WCSHC’s members to chant, “I DID IT!” Here are REAL people helping REAL farmers, to be counted in rural America.

If you need more information please contact “Our” State Statistician Esmeralda Dickson @ 601-359-1259.

CONNECT WITH US

Spring is here, and the summer is vastly approaching! Farmers and gardeners are out tending their crops for consumers’ consumptions.

Wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy these treats all WCSHC CANNING WORKSHOP FACILITATOR

MS. ROSIE HARRIS

year long? Well, the Winston County Self Help Cooperative will like to extend an invitation to teach individuals/groups how to can. Proper canning allows individuals to consume their favorite spring and summer foods all year long.

Therefore, if you desire to learn this lost art, please contact Latrice Todman at 662-446-2423 today.