Louisiana Ag Tour Day
JANUARY 2015 | THE GREENSBORO ECHO - 7 father farmed 80 years ago. He shared how he has managed to preserve his legacy while making improvements. The Robinson’s farm consists of a huge variety of vegetables and beef cattle. The WCSHC left the Robinson’s farm with anticipation of planning a Saving Rural America Rally Day there in the near future.
FSC Annual EPES, AL
By Rosie Harris
By Rosie Harris
Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC) departed on June 8, 2014 from Louisville, MS, attending the Louisiana Ag Tour Day; held in Greensburg, Louisiana. This tour commenced with our first stop in Summit, MS, where we visited Mr. and Mrs. Bobby McKennis’ hay farm. The McKennis’ operates a farm that produces hay for clients from Southwest Mississippi to Louisiana. Bobby stated that he purchased the farm from his deceased wife’s grandfather. He normally bales between 15 & 19 thousand square bales per year, and an additional 1000 round custom roll bales. We spent the night in McComb, MS, at the Hampton
Cattleman’s College
Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC) members traveled to Epes, AL, on August 15, 2014, for the Annual Federation of Southern Cooperatives Meeting. Several Speakers presented: Dr. Herbert Hamer, Jerry Pennick, Loretta Picciano, Senator Billy Singleton, Amadou Diop, Cheryl Bailey, Attorney Monica Range, John Zippert, and Ralph Paige, and many others. The presenters encouraged the delegates to…
Inn Hotel. After a hearty breakfast, the journey continued on to St. Helena Parish in Greensburg, LA. The WCSHC toured and observed several small beef cattle, vegetables, swine and poultry farms in St. Helena and Tangipahoa Parishes. The tour ended with a visit to the Klenipeter’s Dairy Farm where we were given an invigorating tour and explanation of Mr. Klenipeter’s management and production of over 500 dairy cows. Participants received plate lunches which included ribs, chicken and other sides from Mr. Warner Hall on the journey home; a final stop was made in Brookhaven, MS, at Mr. Robert Robinson’s farm. Mr. Robinson gave a brief overview on how he is still farming land that his
My life as a member of WCSHC
By Rosie Harris
Winston County Self Help Cooperative members traveled on August 27, 2014, to Cattleman’s College, in West Point, MS. We began our tours by going on a field trip on the farm. There were students from West Point high school in FFA participating in the Field Day Program. There were twelve
“Know your market person, know what’s selling best, sit in the sales when you’re not selling, and be familiar with the market.” demonstration plots with different types of herbicides for varieties of grasses and weed control for better production of grazing for cattle. We had many presentations on how to manage your cattle in a way so that the cattle will not be stressed. The presenters also stress the importance of knowing and understanding how to enhance the value of your cattle. Also, know the advantages and disadvantages of cross-breeding cattle, so it’s always best to be knowledgeable of basic management practices. Know your market person, know what’s selling best, sit in the sales when you’re not selling, and be familiar with the market. Keep a careful watch on your cows and cull them when necessary. Dr. Dan Scruggs gave pertinent information on Herd Health Program. Think of your herd, he said, as Insurance Policy Variables. WE enjoyed a very hearty lunch, prime rib steak sandwiches, with all the trimmings.
• Remember the struggles of our predecessors which allow us to enjoy the benefits today…We must preserve our heritage by supporting our1890 Land Grant Institutions. • Recruit our youth and encourage them to become a part of agriculture. Teach them the value and benefits of being involved. • Know the dynamics and versatility of managing practices in Agriculture. • Become knowledgeable and concerned about the Agriculture Census of African Americans. While the number of Black Farmers has increased, the number of women farmers has decreased by 2 percent, according to the 2012 censes. Be counted and participate so there will be more money flowing in our communities • Visit the local FSA office to know the different types of loans and programs available. • Become informed about heir property. African Americans are losing too much land because of “not taking care of the business” properly. The day ended with the Annual Prayer Breakfast where Dr. Myra Bryant led the congregation in Praise and Worship in the most profound way. The Message was given by Reverend Wendell Paris. Scripture: Joshua 14:6 – 12; Subject: “When Giants Keep Coming Back.” Rev. Wendell stated, “The Final Analysis is that JESUS IS THE GIANT KILLER.” The WCSHC members left Epes, AL informed, empowered, motivated, and inspired.
By Rosie Harris
There comes a time in life when we must stop and do a self-evaluation. We all have a value system and it’s imperative how and what it looks like. Isaiah 1: 17,18a ESV; Cease to do evil, learn to do good, seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause. Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord….. This is a serious transformative washing which caused me to detox myself. In the process, I was blessed and highly favored to become informed and become a member of the Winston County Self Help Cooperative Group. It was a breath of fresh air and an opportunity to meet a new fellowship of Believers. Yes, our religious affiliates, social status, physical make-ups were different, but it was a conduit to build relationships based upon focus on helping and meeting needs of people, at the same time, sharing information and learning of ways to strengthen and help build Rural America. My experiences as a member of Winston County Self Help
Cooperative have been phenomenal. As God transforms us, then we are able to be disciple to others and be an advocate as we strengthens each other. “As iron sharpens iron,” we learn to sharpen each other minds, help each other grow, and be in tune to the needs of our fellow members. To be sharpened, I believe, is to be ready, useful, and productive in life. I have been given many opportunities to travel, observe and learn many practices that are beneficial and helpful now, and in the future. Thank God for superb leadership, Frank Taylor, and good Fellowship, (Members). Thank God for fellow-members who have been so acceptable and supportive. I am so grateful to be a part of this great Organization to give my energy and time helping to, “Save Rural America.”Thank you members for your acceptance of me being a part of this great organization, Winston County Self Help Cooperative; it has been a tremendous joy and pleasure to serve with you. May God’s blessings be with us as we move forward to share the good news to continue save and build Rural America.
Alzheimer’s Disease Workshop
By Rosie Harris
Sandra Jackson, Facilitator / Presenter The meeting convened at 10:10am with Sandra giving a brief introduction about Alzheimer’s disease. She stated that it has to be dealt with on an individual basis, as it affects each one differently. She stressed the fact that sometimes it’s hard to recognize the difference between age-related changes and the first signs of » Alzheimer’s Disease Workshop, pg. 8