WCSHC 2014 Year End Report

WINSTON COUNTY SELF HELP COOPERATIVE’S 2014 YEAR END REPORT

P.O. Box 774Louisville, MS 39339

Phone 601-291-2704Website: www.wcshc.com

“A TEAM COMMITTED TO HELP SAVE RURAL AMERICA”

(Left) Mother Ozolla Eichelberger, Former WCSHC member and (Right) Mrs. Omerio Dotson, Former WCSHC member and co-founder

2 WinstonCountySelfHelpCooperative’s2014YearlyReport

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WCSHCPurpose..........................................................................................................................................3

WCSHC’s2014Reflections.......................................................................................................................4

WCSHCDeliversHomeownership........................................................................................................5

FieldTripsandTours...................................................................................................................................6

WinstonCountySelfHelpYouthGroups............................................................................................7

USDAProgramAwarenessEfforts........................................................................................................8

WCSHCOutreachMeetings,FieldDaysAndWorkshops..............................................................9

ECONOMICIMPACT..................................................................................................................................10

MarketDevelopment..............................................................................................................................10

WCSHC’sStarterGroups2014..............................................................................................................11

SUCCESSSTORIES.....................................................................................................................................11

LetterfromWCSHC’sTeamLeader.....................................................................................................12

2014’sCollaborativePartners...............................................................................................................12

“A Team Committed to Help Save Rural America”Winston County Self Help Cooperative’s 2014 Yearly Report

WCSHC Purpose: WinstonCountySelfHelpCooperative(WCSHC)willcelebratethirtyyearsofServingRuralAmericain2015.Thisprolificorganizationgerminatedoutofthe1980sFarmCrisistoprovidesmallfarmersandlandownerswithacutetechnicalservicesneededtomaintainownershipintimesofuncertainties.Today,WCSHCcontinuestodispenserelevantinformationanddevelopseconomicopportunitiesinRural

Americathroughgiftingfamilieswithcattle,goatsandotheranimals.Thisinreturncreatesincomeandfostergrowthinruralcommunities.WinstonCountySelfHelpCooperativeeffortsofhelpingSavingRuralAmericacontinuestocreatedividendstobenefittheentirefamilystructure.WCSHCextendsaninvitationforyoutovisitwcshc.comandtoreadtheCo-op’srichhistory.Youwillspendhoursanddaysreadingnewsletters,newsflashes,andwatchingvideosofWCSHC’sremarkableworkofservingruralAmericans.

WinstonCountySelfHelpCooperative’s2014YearlyReport 3

WCSHC FOUNDING MEMBERS

(Lefttoright)DeeDotson,MaryHannah,OmerioDotsonandBobbyHardin

WCSHC’s 2014 ReflectionCooperative Business:Theclockbespectacled3:50pmonDecember30,2013andWinstonCountySelfHelpCooperativeMembersmaneuveredintotheirseatsfor2014’sKick-offMeetingatLouisvilleColiseum.PerhapsotherindividualswouldfrownuponinterveningorintrudingontheirHolidaySeasonwithanOrganizationalAssembly,however,WCSHCMembershipdemonstratedresiliencebyadheringtothecallonthelastMondayof2013.

Thecooperativeconductedthirteen(13)officialBusinessSessionsforitsmembersandotherprogramparticipants.Thesesessionsprovidesimportantinformationoncooperativeandleadershipdevelopment,GrantWriting,theempoweringofRuralCommunitiesandtheCountyCommitteeElectionprocess.StateandCountyOfficialsparticipatedinnumeroussessions.Approximatelyforty(40)CooperativeMembersandotherprogramparticipantswereinattendanceforeachsession.WCSHCBusinessSessionsoccurredonMembers’Farms,ExtensionOffices,Coliseum,andlocalchurches.TheEveningSessionsstarts@3:50p.m.andSaturdaymorningsessionsstarted@6:50a.m.Severaleventstoacknowledgeare:

•April5,2014GreensboroDayCelebrationpresentedindividuals,friendsandvisitorsadayoffunandgamesonTaylor’sFuneralHomeLawninGreensboro,MS.2014’scelebrationstartedonFridayNightwithafishfryandotherformsofentertainment.Saturday’sactivitiesfeaturedaparadeincludinghorsesandcars.•Two(2)IndividualsearnedhomebuyerscertificateonSaturday,March15,2014inJackson,MS.•JeanHarperreceivedtheWinstonCountyChamberofCommerceforFarmeroftheYearAward.•ThursdayAugust21,2014.MembersparticipatedinWinstonCountyandCityofLouisvilleDelinquentTaxSales.•CooperativemembersattendedFarmBureausAnnualMeetingThursdaySeptember18,2014,7pmatShrineBuildingonHwy15southLouisville,MS.•WCSHC&MississippiStateUniversity’sCollege(MSU)ofVeterinaryMedicinedeliveredhealthserviceforCo-opmembers’cattleonOctober3,2014atAlonzo&PeggyMiller’sFarminLouisville,MS.MSU’s

_______________________________________________WCSHC’s 2014 REFLECTION

Continued on page 5


_______________________________________________ WCSHC’s 2014 REFLECTION Continued from page 4

CollegeofVeterinaryMedicine’sTeamadministeredavarietyofvaccinationsformorethirtyanimals.WCSHCformulatedthisrelationshipwithMSUin2005toassistmembersinprovidinghealthcarefortheirherdsaccordingtoCo-opmemberSheltonCooper.”•WCSHCplacedninepassonheifersinco-op’spastureonOctober18,2014.Eachheiferreceivedheathcarebeforebeingplacedintothefacility.Passheifersareplacedwithco-opmemberstostarttheircattleenterprise.


WCSHC Delivers Homeownership

MostpeopleidentifyWinstonCountySelfHelpCooperativeasanorganizationassistingindividualsinstartingtheirfarmoperations;however,WCSHCalsoprovidestechnicalsupportinhelpingfamiliespurchasehomes.WCSHCconvenedworkshopsforindividualstolearnprocesseshowtopurchaseahomeandposteducationclassestohinderforeclosure.WCSHCpartneredwithUSDA-RuralDevelopment,MississippiHomeCorporation,banks,andcreditunionstomaketheAmerica’sdreamofhomeownershiparealityforDenishaGladneyonMarch31,2014.WCSHCandDenishalinkedtogetherinJanuary2013andstartedthearduousjourneytohomeownershipwithacreditcheck.This_______________________________________________

WCSHC Delivers HomeownershipContinued on page 10


Field Trips and Tours•ElevenMembersattendedtheMinorityLandownersConferenceinGreenville,SouthCarolinaFebruary27-29,2014.•Four(4)cooperativemembersattendedtheMississippiAssociationofCooperativeAnnualMeetingonMarch14-15,2014Macon,MS.•Five(5)membersattendedAlcornStateUniversity’sSmallFarmersConferenceMarch24-26,2014inJackson,MS.AlcornStateUniversityhonoredJewellMcDonald&OzollaEichelbergerfortheiryearsoftoilinginthesoilsandproducingvegetablecrops.•MemberattendedNorthMississippiFieldDayinOkolona,MSatChrisandCarolynJones’FarmMay13,2014.WCSHC,ASU&MSUhighlightedservicesavailableforsmallfarmerenterprises.•June,32014CooperativememberattendedPikeCounty’sUSDAGLCIFieldatBobbyMckennisFarminSummit,MS.Participantsobservedinnovatedpracticestomaximizehayproduction.Bobbyconstructedasolarpumptoharvestwaterforcattle.HehasemployedotherconservationpracticesthroughNRCS’EQIP.•June9,2014CooperativemembersattendedLouisianaAgTourinconjunctionwithSt.HelenaParish.ThistourshowcasedlocalfarmersemployingpracticesthroughUSDAandobtainingeducationalsupportfromSouthernUniversityExtensionProgram.•CooperativemembersattendedtheFederationofSouthernCooperativesAnnualMeetingAugust14-16,2014.WCSHCmembersvisitedseveralgrassfedorallnaturalfarmsinWestPoint,MSonThursdayAugust21,2014.•Ten(10)membersparticipatedinfarmdiversitytouronSeptember17,2014inQuitman&CoahomaCounties.Participantsobservednumerousfarmenterprisesfromagri-tourism,pecanorchardandAlcornStateUniversityandNorthDeltaProducers’CanningFacilityinMarks,MS.thistourprovidedindividualswithinspirationandtechnicalsupporttoengageinMississippiagriculture.•Eleven(11)membersofthecooperativetraveledtheblackbeltofAlabamaonSeptember22&23,2014.ThistripincludedstopsinhistoricGee’sBend,TuskegeeandMontgomery,Ala.MemberslearnedvisitedthehistoricQuiltingBeeinGeeBend.ThecaravanarrivedattheKelloggConferenceCenteronthehistoriccampusat3:45pm.SeveralindividualstouredTuskegee’sCampusandobservedprolificsitesofhistoricsignificant.NextmembersvisitedGeorge

WashingtonCarverMuseum,BookerT.WashingtonHome,andTuskegeeFamedAirmanMuseum.Membersboardvanandtraveledsouthoninterstate85toMontgomerywheretheyvisitedRosaParkMuseumanddrovepassDexterAvenueKingMemorialBaptistChurchwhereDr.MartinLutherKingservedaspastor.•Thirteen(13)membersparticipatedinRichardandRuthieCarter’sLivestockFieldDayinEucutta,MSonSeptember29,2014.MemberstraveledthescenicrouteintoSpringHillCommunitywheretheypartakeinafunfilledafternoon.TheCartersandWCSHOmembersrolledoutthewelcomingmateonSugarHillRoad.USDA,DearGroupandWayneCountyPublicSchoolsdeliveredvaluableinformationthroughpresentations.•CooperativemembersparticipatedinVickieRoberts’Agro-ForestryFieldDayonSaturdayNovember1,2014inWinona,MS.Thisfielddayhighlightedseveralenterprisesusingavarietyofpracticestogeneratedollarsfromtheirnaturalresources.VickiecontinuestoworkwiththeFederationofSouthernCooperativestoimplementagro-forestrypracticesandmanagethefamily’scenturyoldforest.


Winston County Self HelpYouth Groups •WCSHCconductedfortynine(49)ReadingandTutoringProgramstofourhundredandsixteen(416)youth.•WCSHCheldone(1)YouthConferenceonehundredandthirty(130)Youthwereinattendance.•WCSHCconducteda4HLeadersTrainingforeight(8)youth.•WCSHYouthGroupssponsoredfive(5)CommunityServiceProjects:-Two(2)communitiescleanupDaysandnine(9)individualsparticipated-One(1)RelayforLifeEventandtwelve(12)individualsparticipated-One(1)youthleaderparticipatedinRedHillsFestival-Five(5)youthparticipatedinplantingaCommunityGarden-Five(5)youthparticipatedinaFamilyMattersSeminar•WCSHYouthGroupsVolunteeredatLouisvilleHeadStartandfiftytwo(52)youthparticipated.•WCSHYouthGroupsattendedaGrowingGirlsSeminarandthirtytwo(3)youthparticipated.•WCSHYouthGroupsparticipatedinKidsIntellectualAcademyCampandfiftysix(56)youthattended.•WCSHYouthGroupssponsoredfive(5)kidsinthekitchenworkshops.Theylearnedkitchensafety,etiquette,makinghealthyfoodchoices,canningtechniquesandteamwork.•WCSHYouthGroupsparticipatedinN-FusionChildGrowthandDevelopmentClassesandnineteen(19)youthparticipated.•GreensboroYouthGroupGreensboroDayonApril5,2014inGreensboro,MS.Thisdayofjubilationincludedaparade,funandgamesstorytelling,artsandcraftsandgoodfood.•121YouthparticipatedinWCSHYouthForestryFieldDayMay19,2014atLegionStatePark.USForestServiceprovidedfundsandeducationalmaterialtoenlighteningthenextgenerationoffarmersandlandowners.•WCSHYouthGroupsconductedsix(6)nutritionalworkshopstoteachimportanceofplanningnutritiousmealsforadultsofallages.Workshopspromoted

eatinghealthy,reducingobesityandchronicdiseases.•WCSHYouthGroupsplantedspringandfallgardensanddonatedover$4,000.00offreshvegetablestoneedyfamiliesandseniorcitizens.


USDA Program Awareness Efforts

TherewereseveralmethodsthattheWCSHCusedtopromoteUSDAandothersprograms.Themosteffectivewereconferences,quarterlynewsflashes,brochures,promotionalflyers,weeklyradiotalkshowsandWCSHCwebsite.

WCSHCconductedfour(4)SavingRuralAmericaandYouthConferences.Thepurposeoftheseconferenceswastoprovideanatmosphereoflearning,networkingandstrengtheningfamilies’values.

ThefirstconferencewasheldonJanuary24,2014attheLouisvilleColiseuminLouisville,MS.ConferencehostwasWCSHC.Themefortheconferencewas“StrengtheningRuralCommunitiesthroughPartnerships”.2014’sconferencehighlightedWCSHC’SvastnetworkwithUSDA,Extension,stateagencies,communities,schoolshealthcarefacilities,jobsandfamilies.Approximatelyfourhundred&twenty-eight(428)smallfarmers/ranchersandotherconstituentswereinattendance.SecondconferencewasheldonFebruary1,2014attheDavidL.BeckleyCenter(RustCollege)150RustAvenue,HollySprings,MS.Mid-SouthAgriculturalProducerGrouphostedtheir1stSavingRuralAmerica

Conference.Themefortheconferencewas“HarvestingtheFuture”.Thisonedayconferenceprovidededucationandresourcestosmallfarmoperatorsandfosteredrelationshipsbetweenfarmersandcommunitiespartners.Approximatelysixtysix(66)smallfarmers/ranchersandotherconstituentswereinattendance.

ThirdconferencewasheldonFebruary8,2014atthePauldingFireDepartment1778Hwy803Paulding,MS.WayneCountySelfHelpOrganizationandWinstonCountySelfHelpCooperativeworkedcooperativelywithJasperCountySupervisors,communityleadersandotherstohostJasperCounty1stSavingRuralAmericaConference.Themefortheconferencewas“StrengtheningRuralCommunitiesthroughPartnerships”.Approximatelyfortyfive(45)smallfarmers/rancherswereinattendance.

FourthconferencewasheldonFebruary15,2014attheMultipurposeBuilding-68Collins,MS.ConferencehostwasCovingtonCountySelfHelpProject.Themefortheconferencewas“StrengtheningRuralCommunitiesthroughPartnerships”.UDSAFarmServiceAgencydiscussedfarmloans,USDANaturalResource

_______________________________________________USDA Program Awareness Efforts

Continued on page 9

Winston County Self Help Cooperative

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NEWS FLASH

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January 2014 | 1st Edition

visit us online @ www.wcshc.com

WINSTON COUNTY SELF HELP COOPERATIVE

716 Old Robinson Road • Louisville, MS 39339

Phone: 662-779-2400 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.wcshc.com

“Saving Rural America”

WCSHC 7th SRAC


wrangled with old man Winter and convened

their 7th Saving Rural America & Youth

Conference on Friday January 24, 2014 at the

Louisville Coliseum in Louisville, Mississippi.

Stiff winds from the north and a temperature

below freezing set off alarms on the eve of

WCSHC’s 7th SRA Conference according

to Jean Harper. “As we congregated on

Thursday afternoon, several members

expressed significant concerns about

impending weather conditions and how

it would impact attendance. Cold weather

normally trumps participation, however, on

this day more than 230 farmers, landowners

and students joined forces to help save

rural America by extolling WCSHC’s 2014

conference theme of “Strengthening Rural

Communities through Partnerships”. We

work collectively and broadly to enhance

opportunities in rural Americans through

partnerships with various entities. This

year’s conference highlighted WCSHC’s

vast network with USDA, extension, state

agencies, community-based organizations,

non-profits and local governments to help

rebuild communities, schools, health care

facilities, jobs and families.

The 7th Saving Rural America & Youth

Conference started 7:30a.m with a live

radio broadcast featuring co-op members,

local elected officials and conference

attendees. Minster Carnette Hudson offered

prayer, Will Hill, Mayor of Louisville & Bert

Warner, County Supervisor District-one,

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Continued on page 2

Wilson Murray, Kurt Readus and Frank Taylor

By Frank Taylor

CONNECT WITH US


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NEWS FLASH

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February 2014 | 1st Edition






“WCSHC Takin’ it To The Streets in 2014”

Jasper County 1st SRAC

The voices of rural Americans yarned

for assistance from USDA, extension,

community-based organizations and local

governments on Saturday February 8, 2014

at Paulding Fire Station in Paulding, MS.

Participants traveled over hills of Heidelberg

and through vast hollows of Vossburg to hear

stories of hope with possibilities of restoring

prosperity in rural communities. Wayne

County Self Help Organization (WCSHO)

and Winston County Self Help cooperative

(WCSHC) worked cooperatively with Jasper

County Supervisors, community leaders

and others to host Jasper County’s First

Saving Rural America Conference. Rodney

Pickens, President of WCSHO said, “We are

seeking to expand our membership into

adjacent counties and, today presents an

entrance way to highlight our relationship

with service providers and demonstrate

benefits of maintaining membership with

a community-based organization. Pickens

continued by stating small farmers and

landowners used their natural resources to

spawn income, and sometimes individuals

need assistance in developing successful

farm entities, therefore, WCSHO serves as

a mentor for these individuals to avoid

costly mistakes”. Additionally, WCSHO

operates as liaison between farmers and

landowners in obtaining services through

USDA & extension. Calvin Triplett, farmer

from Heidelberg, MS said, “My family finally

received financial assistance through Natural

Resources Conservation Service in 2013 after

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By Frank Taylor

CONNECT WITH US


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NEWS FLASH

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February 2014 | 2nd Edition






“Team Members Changing Lives in Mississippi”

CCSHP’s 3rd Saving Rural America Conference

Mississippi Pine Belt of Southern Mississippi

came alive on Saturday, February 15, 2014 for

Covington County Self Help Project (CCSHP)

3rd Saving Rural America Conference (SRAC)

at Multi-Purpose Building in Collins, MS. “Our

members’ looks forward to this educational

event with gratitude to change lives and

acquire information to enhance their farm

operations” according to Fenton Pope

President of CCSHP. This event invigorates our

work-plan and provides guidance in making

pertinent farm & family’s decisions. We work

in conjunction with Winston County Self Help

Cooperative to share the same theme of

“Strengthening Rural Communities Thorough

Partnerships” because of commonalties in

our respected work. CCSHP formalized under

auspices of Roger Jones to develop CCSHP’s

Heifer Project in 2002 and these partnerships

continue to unveil new opportunities in

helping small farmers, landowners and others

to extract income from natural resources

and generate long-term optimism in rural

America.

CCSHP’s 3rd SRAC commenced with Collins,

MS Mayor of thirty-three years, V. O. Smith

unleashed words of welcome and said “our

city operates with a surplus budget and

Collins’ continues to expand its search for new

sources of employment”. Mark Leonard & Steve

Wade of Farm Service Agency discussed farm

Barbara Saulter - CCSHP member

By Frank Taylor

CCSHP’s 3rd Saving Rural America Conf,

Continued on page 2

CONNECT WITH US


_______________________________________________USDA Program Awareness EffortsContinued from page 8

ConservationServiceshighlightedconservationpracticestoprotectair,waterandsoil,USDARuralDevelopmentdeliveredadetailorientationon504’shousingloansandgrants,AlcornStateUniversity’sExtensionPersonneldeliveredpresentationson;Buildingabettercreditreportandmarketingofalternativecrops.TheNationalNetworkofForestPractitionersencouragedlandownerstomanagetheirforestlandsformultipleincomestreams,suchaspinestrawandhuntingleases.Approximatelysixty(60)smallfarmers/ranchersandotherconstituentswereinattendance.

WCSHCprovideinformationtosmallfarmers/ranchersthroughitsquarterlynewsflasheswhichincludeUSDAPrograms,cropproduction,extensionandothersupcomingevents.WCSHCpublishedseven(7)newsflash-newsletters.Youcanreadpreviousnewslettersatthewebsitewww.wcshc.com

WCSHCOutreachandAssistanceProgramhostedsixteen(16)talkshowradioprograms.TheseradiotalkshowsallowUSDAOfficials,Extensionandnon-profitorganizationspersonneltodialogueonissuesaffectinglandowners,farmers/ranchersandnaturalresourcesenthusiasts.WCSHC’sradioprogramlistenaudienceistargetedinthesoutheasternstateswithexponentiallygrowththroughouttheUnitedStates.ThehostoftheSavingRuralAmericaTalkRadioShowisFrankTaylor.Visit us online every Monday at 6:00 pm CST @ www.blogtalkradio.com/savingruralamerica or call 323-580-5735 to speak to the host.

WCSHC Outreach Meetings, Field Days And Workshops

Nine(9)trainingsandeducationalworkshopswereconductedduring2014whichincludedforestryproduction,hoophouseproductiontraining,cropandlivestockproduction,marketingofalternativecrops,creditcounseling,estateplanning,wholefarmplanning,foodsafety,canningandpreserving.Approximatelythreehundredandfiftyseven(357)smallfarmers/rancherswereinattendance.

Six(6)USDAProgramsAwarenessWorkshopswereconducted.Theseworkshopsinformedsmallfarmers/ranchersandbeginningfarmers/ranchersofUSDAProgramsavailabilityaswellasotherprogramsofferedontheFederal,StateandCountyLevels.OurprogramstaffworkedcloselywithNaturalResourceConservationService,FarmServiceAgency,RuralDevelopment,LandGrantUniversity’sandotherpartnerstoconducttheseinformationalworkshops.NaturalResourceConservationServicediscussedfinancialassistance,livestockmanagement,smallruminantsandSpecialtyCropInitiatives.FarmServiceAgencydiscussednewmicro-loanprogramandotherlendingresources.RuralDevelopmentelaboratedontheirhousingloansandgrants.Themajorityoftheseworkshopswereheldonsmallfamily/ranchersfarms.Approximatelytwohundredandten(210)smallfarmers/ranchersandpubliccitizenswereinattendance.

National Network of Forest Practitioners Presents“ A WALK ON ROSIE HARRIS’ FOREST ”

Date: Saturday June 28, 2014 • Time: 9:00 a.m.Location: 1430 Hull Road Louisville, MS 39339(Mt. Olive Community)

What you will learn? You will learn methods to earn dollars from your idle forestlands and how to obtain a forest

management or stewardship plans to provide guidance in developing your forest. You will learn about programs

through United Department of Agriculture and Mississippi Forestry Commission to help carryout various practices

for as timber stand improvement and eradication of unwanted weeds. You may qualify up 90 percent rate of cost to

implement prescribes practices. Additionally, you will learn how to transfer title through wills or trusts. This is your

opportunity to learn how to leave a fruitful legacy for your children and grandchildren. Mark your calendar for Saturday

June 28, 9:00a.m at Rosie Harris’ Forest 1430 Hull Road. If you are planning to attend please call Winston County Self

Help Cooperative office by June 25 for meal count 662-779-2400.For more information contact Mr. Perry Brumfield NNFP Consultant at 601- 754-6164 or Allen Mc Reynolds

WCSHC at 601-513-4503.DIRECTIONS: • Traveling east on Hwy 14 from Louisville , Go 8.7 miles and turn left on Yellow Creek Go 1 mile, make left on Hull Road

and travel 2 miles, site on right.• Traveling from Macon going west on Hwy 14 go 21.3 miles turn right on Yellow Creek Road go 1 mile take left on

Hull road go 2 miles, site on right.

WINSTON COUNTY SELF HELP COOPERATIVE716 Old Robinson Road • Louisville, MS 39339Phone: 662-779-2400 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.wcshc.com

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STON COUNTY SELF HELP COOPERATIVE

™

SAVING RURAL AMERICA~ Founded in 1985 ~

WCSHC

EASTERN MISSISSIPPI

SMALL FARMERS FIELD DAY

Place: Alonzo & Peggy Miller’s Farm

5020 Highpoint-Weir Road

Louisville, MS 39339

Date: Thursday, May 29, 2014

Time: 9:00 a.m.

Eastern Mississippi Small Farmers Field Day will highlight Alonzo & Peggy Miller’s efforts in developing a sustainable

farm operation through assistance from Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency. The

Millers started their farm operation in 2007, which consists of Beef Cattle, Vegetables and Orchard Production. They

have employed numerous conservation practices through NRCS to enhance profitability and preserve the natural

resources. You will observe cross fencing, ponds, Seasonal High Tunnel and pasture improvement practices.

Eastern Mississippi Small Farmers Field Day Sponsors

WIN

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NCOUNTY SELF HELP COOPERATIVE

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SAVING RURAL AMERICA

~ Founded in 1985 ~

WCSHC

For more information contact Frank Taylor 601-291-2704 or [email protected].


ECONOMIC IMPACT

Resultsfromourfinancialandbusinessworkshopsindicatedthattherewasanoverallincreaseof8%farmincomeforprogramparticipants.Resultsfromourcreditcounselingcoursesindicatedthatfourteen(14)programparticipantsappliedforfarmoperatingloansandthatten(10)loanswereapprovedtotalingoverfivehundredandtwentythousanddollars($520,000)andfive(5)youthreceivedloansfromFSAtopurchaselivestockandequipment.ProgramparticipantsparticipatedinaseriesofUSDAProgramAwarenessWorkshops.Resultsofthoseworkshopsshowthattherewasa15%increaseinparticipationinUSDAPrograms.Twentythree(23)programparticipantswereabletotakeadvantageofNRCSCostSharePrograms,whereas,thirteen(15)smallfarmers/ranchersreceivedcostshareassistanceforfencerepairsandpasturemaintenance,five(5)wasabletoobtainirrigationsystemsandthree(3)receivedfinancialassistancetoconstructhoophouses.ProgramParticipantstimbersalesgrossoverthreethousanddollars($300,000)whereaslivestocksalesgrossoveronehundredandsixtythousanddollars($160,000).

Market Development

WCSHCOutreachandAssistanceProgramlaunchedits2014Farmer’sMarketBulletin.ThemarketbulletinhighlightssmallproducersinMississippi,AlabamaandLouisianawhogeneratesincomefromtheirfarms.Thisisagoodmarketingstrategictoallowsmallfarmerstoselltheirproductsthroughtheinternet.Additionally,thisisanopportunityto“knowyourFarmer-KnowyourFood”andforcustomerstospendtheirdollarswithlocalfarmerstocreatesustainabilityinruralcommunities.Please visit our website @www.wcshc.com/fmb.

TheWCSHCwasproudtoannouncetheopenedtheWinstonCountyFarmer’sMarketonJune

19,2014withaKick-OffJamboree!TheeventhelpedtheWinstonCountyDisasterReliefFundwithalocalchefcompetition.Therewaslivemusicandfunforthekids.Consumerspurchasedsummervegetables,fruits,cannedandbakedgoods,andotherproductssupportinglocalfarmersinWinstonCountyandsurroundingareas.TheChefCompetitionfeatured

areachefsusingfreshmarketingredientstocreateahealthysidedish.Attendeestastedthefoodthechefscreateandvotewhichdishtheylikethebestbyvotingwithadollar.AllproceedsgainedfromvoteswenttotheWinstonCountyDisasterReliefFund.Attendeesvotedasmanytimesastheywouldlike!Localresidentswerewelcometobringtheirfavoriterecipesandcompeteinthechallenge.Themarketacceptedcash,EBT,andsomevendorsacceptedchecksandcredit/debitcards.Thirtyfive35to40%oftheproducerssellingtheirgoodsatthemarketwereWCSHCmembers.ThemarketclosedonthelastThursdaySeptember26,2014.Itisestimatedthatsmallfarmers/rancherssoldoverfortythousanddollars($40,000)atthemarket.

WCSHC FARMERSM A R K E T B U L L E T I N

AM-PM Vegetables and Beef Farm

Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Address: 5020 Highpoint Weir Rd. Louisville, MS 39339

Phone: 662-705-1217 or 662-705-1257

Name of Grower:

AM-PM Vegetables and Beef Farm

Products offered for Immediate Sale include:

Ripe and Green Tomatoes, Green, Yellow, and Red Bell Peppers, Jalapeño and

Banana Peppers, Fresh Sweet Basil and Rosemary.

(Other vegetables will be offered later this spring and summer.)

AM-PM Farm is owned and operated by Alonzo and Peggy Miller. We are located in the heart of New

Zion Community in Louisville, MS. We sale our produce at the local Farmers Market, and directly

from our farm. We have taken pride in building our farm from scratch and strive to provide the best

quality of locally grown produce to our customers. Our produce is grown void of herbicides. Weeds

are controlled the old fashion way, cultivating by hand. The only pesticides used are organic and are

safe for human consumption. We make our customers, quality, and safety our first priorities.




WIN

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NCOUNTY SELF HELP COOPERATIVE

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SAVING RURAL AMERICA

~ Founded in 1985 ~

WCSHC

processhelpsindividualsdiscoverpositiveandnegativereportstocreditbureausandallowsyouanopportunitytoadvocateforcorrections.Additionally,youcanobtainvalidcreditscoresbasedonbureaus’reportingmethods.Denishastated“youmustbepatientandundeterredinyourpathtohomeownership.WCSHC’sHomeownershipProgramprovidedmyfamilywithtimelyservicesfromcompletingtheinitialapplication,homebuyers’educationclassesandclosingprocess.Thisprocessenablesmetobuildalevelofconfidentinthislife’slongobligationandIamthankfultoWinstonCountySelfHelpCooperative.”Additionally,weappreciateTerriTateofRuralDevelopment-HousingSpecialistfordeliveringprofessionalservicesandassistingwiththeunknownsinhomeownership.WewillencourageotherpeerstoconsiderpurchasinghomesinWinstonCounty.

_______________________________________________WCSHC Delivers HomeownershipContinued from page 5


_______________________________________________SUCCESS STORIES

Continued on page 12

WCSHC’s Starter Groups 2014

Oktibbeha County Small Farmers and Landowners Group

• Group meetings and workshop:Eleven(11)outreachmeetingswereconductedthroughouttheyear.MeetingsoccurredatAmericanLegionPost240locatedat3828PatStationRd.Starkville,MS.• Workshops and Conferences attendance:Groupattendedfive(5)workshops,seminars,andconferencesin2014.

Leake, Madison, and Scott Counties Farmers Connection:

•Leake,Madison,andScottCountiesFarmersConnectionconductedtwelve(12)monthlymeetingswithaverageattendantofeighteen(18)participants.Fieldstaffhelpedorganizedstrikeforceoutreachmeetingwiththirtyone(31)inattendant.Theyalsoplantedyouthgardens,conductedcattlevaccinationontwofarmsandonecanningworkshopinLena,MS.

SUCCESS STORIES

WCSHC’s Heifer Project Gifting Families; TheWinstonCountySelfHelpCooperative’sHeiferProjectparlayedandmultipliedopportunitiesforsmallfarmersinEasternMississippibyprovidingfamilieswithheiferstostarttheircattleoperations.HeiferInternationalfundedWCSHCin2001withagrantof74,500.HeiferInternational’smissionistoworkwithcommunitiestoendworldhungerandpovertyandtocarefortheEarth.Youcanlearnmorebyvisitingheifer.org.WCSHC’spassedonsixteen(16)heiferstosmallfarmers/ranchertostartafarmoperation.AsoftodayWCSHCplaced303bredheiferswith45membersand7familieswaitingforpasson.ThisgiftfromHeiferInternational’scontinuestomultiplyandgeneratesustainabilityinWinstonCountythroughsalesofanimals,purchaseoffarmland,wire,posts,tractors,hayequipment,andotherimplementstomanagetheirfarmenterprises.WCSHC’sHeiferProgramcontributedmorethan2milliondollarstoWinstonCounty’seconomyover13years.

Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance

•MMFAisbasedinEgypt,MS(ChickasawCounty).Thisgroupwasformedin2013underthedecisiveleadershipofChris&CarolynJones.MembersarecentralizedinNortheastMississippi.MMFA’sprovidesleadershipandinspirationforbeginningandreturningfarmers.

Tomorrow’s Farmer Averill Gladney;AccordingtoNationalAgriculturalStatisticServicetheaverageAmericanfarmeris58yearsoldandgrowingolderbytheminutewithaglimmerof

2014’s COLLABORTIVE PARTNERS

Winston County Extension OfficeNational Institute of Food and Agriculture

USDA-Office of Advocacy and Outreach Heifer International

Self-Development of PeopleBlack Belt Foundation

Dennis Murray of YDACBINCWinston County Office of Natural Resources Conservation Service

Winston County Office of Farm Service AgencyRooted in the Community

National Agricultural Statistics ServiceKentucky State University Extension Program

Mississippi’s State Office of Rural Development Mississippi’s State Office of Farm Service AgencyMississippi State University Extension Program

Mississippi State University College of Veterinary MedicineAlabama A & M University Extension Program

Alabama A&M University Forestry, Ecology & Wildlife ProgramAlcorn State University’s Extension Program

Alcorn State University’s Mississippi Small Farm Development CenterMississippi State University‘s College of Veterinary Medicine

Tuskegee UniversityNorth Carolina A & T University

Mississippi Association of CooperativesFederation of Southern Cooperatives

Wayne County Extension OfficeNational Wildlife Federation

Mississippi Wildlife FederationMississippi’s Natural Resources Conservation Service

Mississippi Forestry CommissionSouthern Echo Incorporation

Southern University Ag-CenterU S Forest Service

Mississippi Farm BureauNational Network of Forest Practitioners

Minority Landowner MagazineWinston County Journal Newspaper

Winston County Public LibraryCity of Louisville

Winston County’s Board of SupervisorsWLSM Radio Station

Grandma Soul Food EateryPerry County Self Help Group-New Augusta, MSCovington County Self Help Group-Collins, MS

New Community Cooperative-Bassfield, MSSimpson County Self Help Livestock Group-Magee, MS

Wayne County Self Help Group-Waynesboro, MSAttala County Self Help Cooperative-Sallis, MS

South Rankin County Farmers Association-Brandon, MSChester Bradley’s Cattle Farm-Rose Hill, MS

Operation Spring Plant-Oxford, NCRobert Robinson’s Farm-Brookhaven, MS

TRI-County Agriculture Cooperative-Batesville, MSGrenada’s Farmers Market-Grenada, MS

St. Helena Parish Cattle Company-Greensburg, LAImaginers and Dreamers-Uneedus, LA

Southern University Law CenterNorth Delta Produce Growers Cooperative-Mark, MS

Mid-South Progressive Agricultural Group-Holly Spring, MSLeake, Madison and Scott Counties Farmers Connection-Carthage, MS

Mississippi Minority Farmers AllianceUnlimited Community Agriculture Cooperative-Starkville, MS

Mckennis Family Farm-Summit, MS

WCSHC is a member of the Federation of Southern CooperativesFrank Taylor President and Editor / [email protected] or 601- 291- 2704

Designed by www.marqueusdraper.com

hopein21yearoldAverillGladney,ofEupora,MS.Averill’slifelongdreamistobecomeafulltimefarmerwithGod’sblessingsandsupportofhisfamily&WinstonCountySelfHelpCooperative.Averillfirstencounterwithagriculturesurfacedfromridinghorsesandobservingotherentitiescloselyconnectedtofarmingsuchashayproduction.ThisexperiencesetAverill’sdreamsassailedtoinquireaboutcattleproductionandothermeansofearningincomefromnaturalresources.Afterconsultingwithhisfather,AverillcontactedWCSHCfortechnicaladviceindevelopingafarmmanagementplanwhichinitiatedhisquest.WCSHCassistedAverillinobtainingaYouthLoanthroughFarmServiceAgencywhichheusedtoacquire4bredheifersin2011.ThispositionedAverilltoapplyforUSDA’sMicroloanin2013.WiththisloanAverillpurchased14heifers,tractor,hayspear,cattletrailer,bushhog,andcattlepanelstoenhancehisfarmoperation.Averillsaid“IambuildingmyfarmoperationwithanaimofbecomingafulltimefarmertofeedAmerica.IwouldliketothankWinstonCountySelfHelpCooperativeandUSDA-FarmServiceAgencyformakingmydreamsareality.”

Letter from WCSHC’s Team LeaderCo-op members, we celebrated a bountiful 2014 andyou will be rewarded for humble spirit of creatingan environment of success. I am thankful to youfor allowing me an opportunity to be a part of theWinston County Self Help Cooperative Team to helpchange lives in rural America. I am forever grateful forthis moment to serve as your team leader and we willcontinue to work on the behalf of this winning team.

Sincerely,

Frank TaylorWCSHC Team Leader

_______________________________________________SUCCESS STORIESContinued from page 11

WCSHC 2014 Year End Report

Documents

Transcript of WCSHC 2014 Year End Report