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NEWS FLASH The Voice of Rural America • The Official Newsletter of the Winston County Self Help Cooperative SPRING • APRIL 2019 • 1st Edition • Visit us online @ www.wcshc.com • Saving Rural America
Mississippi & Louisiana Legendary Farmers Collides
WCSHC’s 4th Business Session & Plant Distribution
WCSHC members participating in plant distribution
posture at 84 years old.“My parents migrated to Mississippi in the late 1800s from North Carolina. They settled into Winston County briefly before moving to the Mississippi Delta and worked as sharecroppers for a long tenure. Shortly after the dust bowl in the 1930s, my parents decided to forge back east to the friendly confinements of Louisville, MS. This fortuitous decision allowed my parents to gain access to farmland. After establishing their farm operation, God blessed my parents with me as the seventh child on February 7, 1935. My parents emphasized the art of work. Therefore, I am thankful for my devoted parents and family for supporting my journey through rural America. I learned how to provide and protect my family by working extensive hours
The clock revealed twenty minutes after 2pm and the traffic flowed briskly along the streets in Louisville, MS on Friday, March 15, 2019. This gentleness set the stage for WCSHC’s 4th Business Session of the year. Members arrived with intentions of engaging in a brief meeting and departing timely to participate in Mississippi Association of Cooperative’s Annual Membership Meeting at Lake Tiak- Khata in Louisville. Frank Taylor asked participants to assemble for uplifting words from Deacon Romack Smith. Taylor thanked everyone for a timely start. Taylor quipped,“We will reiterate implementing your NRCS’ practices correctly to avoid hiccups. If you need assistance, please ask our senior members. These individuals’ years of experiences will help you avoid costly mistakes.” Taylor called for other discussions and the audience remained silent.This signaled for the cooperative to transition into the mode of distributing tomatoes and pepper plants. Members and friends received an abundant number of transplants to start their 2019’s gardens. Sarah Minnieweather of Winona, MS conveyed thanks for gifting individuals
Mississippi & Louisiana Legendary, Continued on page 2
WCSHC’s 4th Business Session & Plant, Continued on page 3
Legendary Farmers Robert Robinson and Thomas Coleman
By Frank Taylor Email: fltaylor@bellsouth.net
Perhaps, you may be concerned about the title of this article and the outcome of the collision. According to the dictionary, the word collide means hit, struck, or crashed into an object, causing damages. Sportscasters over use this word to describe athletes’ activities during games. However, we will use this metaphor to highlight Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC) engagement with Mississippi’s Legendary Farmer, Robert Robinson of Brookhaven, MS, and outstanding farmers from St. Helena & Tangipahoa Parishes, in the state of Louisiana. WCSHC’s prolific farmer, Thomas Coleman, traveled with the cavalry on March 21 & 22, 2019, to dispense and learn from other agrarian practitioners. Mr. Coleman expertise supersedes his youthful
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”
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Mississippi & Louisiana Legendary Farmers Collides Continued from page 1
(L-R) Robert Robinson, Jack Ball, Columbus McReynolds, Thomas Coleman, Bobby Hardin, Allen McReynolds & MacArthur Carter
on the family farm. The path of life will offer you various opportunities to deviate away from your home learning, however, the old principle of work corrected my mischievous activities. Farming provides me an opportunity to fulfill our church creed of serving mankind. We share our spoils with families in need of fresh vegetables to help develop healthy children. If the lord provides me with health and strength in 2019, I will plant my spring crop after Easter. Coleman continued by stating, this trip should provide a platform to engage with farmers about their planning practices, seed selection, marketing, and managing weeds and pest.” As Thomas turned right to step up into the van, his face exuded a glaring smile, which indicated this would be a fun filled trip. After prayer, Allen McReynolds nosed the van south for a three hours trip south to Brookhaven, MS. Along the ride members discussed a variety of community events and potential dates to plant peas, corn, green beans and other staple crops. Mr. Coleman said, “my father would plant corn in March without significant impacts from weather.” However, the shifting weather patterns and the astronomical input cost prohibited farmers from planting early. Several members said, “They will wait until the third week of April to transplant tomatoes and pepper plants.” As the cavalry approached the Lincoln County Line, MacArthur Carter looked over his right shoulder and sighted Mr. Robinson Farm. Allen slowed the van and exited right to 353 Greenwich Drive, Brookhaven, MS. Mr. Robert Robinson greeted members near his marketing building. Frank Taylor
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introduced members and highlighted their farming interest for Robert to share insights on various crops. Robert invited participants to journey to one of his recent tilled fields. Robert elaborated on his methods of planting vegetables.“In general, I will not begin planting seeds until pecan and persimmon tree make their transition into budding. These trees will indicate conducive weather conditions for planting.” This platform quickly turned into a two-man conversation. Mr. Robert and Mr. Coleman discussed unfriendly times of “Jim Crow” impacts on black farmers. This period exhibited some the ugliest and cruel acts against farmers of color. Some white farmers physically forced black farmers to leave their homesteads.“This raw conversation reminded participants of their forefathers’ efforts to pass on the legacy of landownership,” according to Frank Taylor. This reminder will be transferred to the next generation of landowners through oral conversations, Facebook and other means of social media. Robert and Thomas recounted using mules and horses to till the land. “We would adjust the mules or horses’ back-bans to gauge the depth of the plow. We used a bevy of implements to manage our fields including turning plows, middle-busters, slides, single-trees, gears, g-wigs, Georgia’s stalks, section harrows and other unique plows,” they stated. Robert signaled for WCSHC members to transition into the greenhouse. Robert talked about his methods of placing seeds into trays for the germination period.This process insures the quality of the species and minimizes lost. Mr. Robert closed the visitation near the marketing shed by enlightening members
about his harvesting and marketing methods. “My wife, Anna Robinson, serves as marketing manager. She receives orders daily during the season. My harvesting team includes one of my grandsons. This young man will work without you micro-managing him. He understands the rudiment of work to serve our customers with quality vegetables,” Roberts stated. Taylor issued thanks to the Robinsons for hosting and dispersing information to Winston County Self Help Cooperative members. The cavalry mounted up and traveled to McComb, Ms., where they consumed a healthy meal and prepared for a night of rest. Before the sun fully rose in the east, Jack Ball, WCSHC member, whisked outside into the morning air to determine, Monday, March 22, 2019’s, weather conditions. After returning from checking the weather, Jack joined Allen McReynolds, Bobby Hardin, Shelton Cooper, Thomas Coleman and Columbus McReynolds in the hotel’s eatery for breakfast. As the clock’s hands shied pass 7:30am, Frank Taylor appeared with bags in hands ready to depart for Greensburg, LA. Members hustled into the van for an 8am departure. As usual Bobby Hardin led the conversation on the drive into St. Helena Parish by recounting his career as a star football player at Camile Street High School in Louisville, MS. This brief interlude ended upon the arrival at the parish ag-office in Greensburg, La. Mr. Warner Hall greeted the troops and directed the driver to move the infantry over to Hall’s Vegetable Farm on Hwy 1042 west. Warner gave an overview of his farm operation. “We generally produce vegetables year-round. Unfortunately, the end of 2018, I encountered a health issue which restricted my farm activities. We hope 2019 will be a good year of production. We will plant corn by the end of March and start planting other traditional vegetables in April. We plan to plant a variety of peas, okras, peppers, beans and others after Easter,” he stated. Hall also
Robert Robinson monitoring his young plants
Mississippi & Louisiana Legendary, Continued on page 3
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Mississippi & Louisiana Legendary, Continued from page 2 said,“My 2018’s Watermelon Crop matured in mid-June. I sold more than 95 percent of the melons before the fourth of July.” Hall jovially elaborated on the new plastic layer,“This piece of equipment will help save on input cost, time and labor. We appreciate the leadership of Southern University Agriculture Center for this innovation.” Before the tour concluded Thomas Coleman, MacArthur Carter and Columbus McReynolds asked a barrage of questions focused on planting and harvesting. The tour moved indoors at the parish activities center. Burnell Muse, St. Helena Parish, SU Ag Center Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent presented a visual presentation of local farmers production activities. Additionally, Muse vocalized concerns about participation in the upcoming Ag Day event planned for early June. Muse asked Larry Freeman of Tangipahoa Parish to advocate for more participation from youth. Angela Bickman, St. Helena Parish 4-H Youth Development, chided in with numerous comments to help fortify community participation. Zanetta Augustine of Southern Ag Center stated,“We will add support to ensure a robust Ag Day.” Frank Taylor, WCSHC Team Leader, thanked Mr. Warner Hall for organizing this exchange of knowledge between farmers. Taylor revisited his personal relationship with Warner Hall and Carl James dating back to 2005. These three amigos met while attending the inaugural class of the Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute at Southern University Agriculture Center. This venue allowed these individuals to form lifetime friendships. James said, “We enjoy chatting and exchanging ideas on how to help improve lives in rural communities. I purchased a bull from WCSHC to improve my herd stock. Hall and I attended WCSHC Save Rural America Conferences and other educational events sponsored by the cooperative.”Today’s event underlines WCSHC partnership to accelerate change, according to Frank. This marked WCSHC’s eighth trip to the parish over the years. We appreciate the kindness and camaraderie from the individuals here in Louisiana. Dr. Dawn Mellion-Patin, Vice Chancellor for Extension and Outreach, closed the program with encouraging words for farmers and others to participate in community events. You can learn about the implementation of the 2018’s farm bill and the upcoming 2020 Census. Participants consumed a delectable meal prepared by Mrs. Loraine Hall, which included potato salad, ribs, chicken, bake beans, green beans and desserts.
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Also, thanks to Mrs. Leroy Johnson for helping to serve. The cavalry returned to the van for the final stop of the two-day foray. Frank Taylor propelled the van along state Highway 10 East to Old Hwy 51 and drove north to Mr. Craig Coleman Farm in Kentwood, La. You can best describe Craig as a beginning farmer with a lifetime of farming experiences. Craig stated, “I’ve engaged in agriculture practices my entire life and participated in various ag related ventures in high school and after graduation. In recent years, I decided to focus my energy in developing the Coleman Family Farm. Our farm operation includes timber and cattle production. We will be adding vegetable production soon.”WCSHC members bombarded Craig with questions about breeding, health management, marketing and other related ag questions. Allen McReynolds inquired about his bull selection process. Craig stated, “He participated in Mississippi State Artificial Insemination Program (AI) to learn the pros and cons of AI.” As the questions and answers session ended, Craig extended an invitation to WCSHC members for a return visit. The cavalry accepted Craig’s words and loaded up for the trip north. Mr. Coleman said, “I enjoyed this trip and I learned tips to help improve my crop production. If you see a farmer today, please pause and thank this individual for providing you with locally grown vegetables.”
Frank Taylor, WCSHC Team Leader
Legendary WCSHC Farmer Thomas Coleman
WCSHC’s 4th Business Session & Plant, Continued from page 1 from Montgomery County with plants. “We connected with WCSHC in 2018 through a canning workshop conducted at Columbiana United Methodist Church. We look forward to strengthening this partnership through other community events in 2019.”
SCSFLO & WCSHC Housing Workshop
Allen Crosswhite
“Winston County Self Help Cooperative and Scott County Small Farmers and Landowners Organization hosted a housing workshop in conjunction with USDA-Rural Development on Monday, March 18, 2019, 2pm at Little Rock M. B. Church 643 Tallabogue Rd, Forest, MS. Jason Hurdle, Ext Agent from Scott County Office of the MS State Ext Service informed attendees about 4-H’s activities for youths. He encouraged local individuals to participate in the cattleman, forestry and other natural resources meetings. Allen Crosswhite along with the Brandon, MS office staff informed 18 individuals about single family housing loans and repair grants. Rural Development staff unpacked numerous home packages including the 502’s direct and guaranteed loans and 504’s loan and grant. Rebecca of the Brandon office said, “you can use a loan or grant to remove safety and health hazards in your home. For instance, unbalanced floors, leaky windows and roofing issues. To qualify for the 504’s grant program, you must be 62 years old and own your home. Additionally, your yearly income must not exceed 9800.00 dollars. In Scott County, MS, an individual could qualify for a direct loan through USDA-RD, if SCSFLO & WCSHC Housing Workshop Continued on page 4
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SCSFLO & WCSHC Housing Workshop Continued from page 3 their income falls below 37,500.” Frank Taylor inquired about opportunities for individuals to serve as a loan packager. The loan packager will help individuals complete their loan and grant applications. This buffer will help individuals eliminate mistakes and enhance turnaround time on applications. WCSHC & SCSFLO encourage you to visit or call your nearest Rural Development for more information.
Robert Glover Grazing Field Day ROBERT GLOVER GRAZING FIELD DAY TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019 • 4:00PM ROBERT GLOVER FARM 7672 HWY 14 GOODMAN, MS 39079
Do you have an interest in starting a cow-calf operation? If so, you should attend Robert Glover Grazing Field Day. During this event, you will meet experienced and veteran farmers, who will disperse beneficial information to help you build a profitable and sustainable cattle operation. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff will layout practices to help manage your natural resources. Cathy Turner from the Mississippi Farmer Network will speak about developing wills and trusts to help maintain your legacy. So, mark your calendar and be on time at Mr. Robert Glover Grazing Field Day, Tuesday, April 16, 2019, 4:00 pm. Also, come with an appetite for Mr. Terry Moore ’s World-famous BBQ chicken. If you have questions, contact Frank Taylor 601-291-2704. Visit wcshc.com For more information contact Allen McReynolds @ 601-513-4503.
Will be Served! 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”
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Tuesday, April 16, 2019, 4:00pm 7672 Hwy 14, Goodman, MS, 39079. Do you have an interest in starting a cow-calf operation? If so, you should attend Robert Glover Grazing Field Day. During this event, you will meet experience and veteran farmers, who will disperse beneficial information to help you build a profitable and sustainable cattle operation. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff will outlay practices to help manage your natural resources. Cathy Turner from the Mississippi Farmer Network will speak about developing wills and trusts to help maintain your legacy. So, mark your calendar and be on time at Mr. Robert Glover Grazing Field Day Tuesday, April 16, 2019, 4:00 pm. Also, come with an appetite for Mr. Terry Moore ’s world-famous BBQ chicken. If you have questions, contact Allen McReynolds 601-513-4503 or Frank Taylor 601-291-2704. Visit wcshc.com
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“District 12 Unity Meeting- Empowered to be Powerful”
Keynote speaker Dr. LaKichia Jernigan
By Veronica H. Knowles
District Number Twelve (12) Women’s Department, of the Mississippi Southern First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, Church of God in Christ, hosted their Annual Unity Meeting on February 9, 2019, at the Center Hill Church of God in Christ, where the host pastor is Pastor Clifton Haynes. The District Unity Meeting is a day designated to discuss business relevant to the women’s department, as well as, provide training for the development and growth of the total woman/man. The theme for this year’s meeting was “Empowered to Become Powerful”.(Ephesians 1:18, II Timothy 1:7) There were over sixty (60) ladies and several men who attended this powerful, life-changing event. Dr. LaKichia Jernigan, one of the key presenters, conducted a session on “Types of Abuse”, and how to recognize, respond, and react to the different types. Emphasis was placed on sexual misconduct in the church. Attendees gained insight on the procedures that could be implemented to create a supportive environment for victims and ways to identify the different types of abuse. Dr. Jernigan serves as the Behavioral Specialist for the Louisville Municipal School District. The Winston County Self Help Cooperative partnered with District Twelve and sponsored Attorney Monica Rainge from Atlanta, Georgia, to be this year’s key presenter. She provided pertinent information on land succession, estate planning, and services provided by the cooperatives. Attorney Rainge provided handouts, brochures, and informed the audience on several available resources. She highlighted the importance of minorities learning to gain and retain wealth. Another huge take away from Attorney Rainge’s presentation was the importance of estate planning, and she made the audience aware of
the legal resources and tools that should be in place in the event of death. Attorney Rainge is an agricultural lawyer and mediator with over 25 years of experience. She currently serves as the Director of Land Retention and Advocacy for the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund. She leads the development and implementation of regional land retention and advocacy initiatives, which support and advance the membership of FSC/LAF. She also directs the Federation’s Regional Heirs Property and Mediation Center. Many thanks are in order to President Frank Taylor and the Winston County Self Help Cooperative for their sponsorship. Attendees left this year’s Unity Meeting feeling “empowered to be powerful” in every aspect of their lives. “These are the kinds of topics that we need in the church,” said attendees. The satisfaction rate was very high among the delegates. Other Unity Meeting highlights included: Inspirational Music from Brother Marquez Jackson and the Mars Hill COGIC Praise Ensemble and their guest, Mrs. Toni Rivers, a Question and Answer Session, Happy Time, and an Official Address from our Women’s Department Leader, District Missionary Rosie Harris. District Missionary Harris has been innovative and instrumental in bringing speakers to the district that minister to the total person. It is her desire that the women of District 12 be found whole, empowered, and informed. This power-packed day concluded with a Ministries’ Fair in the Center Hill Church of God in Christ Fellowship Hall and a delightful time of food and fellowship at the Lake Tiak O’Khata Resort. Special thanks are also in order to the team of women who coordinated and planned all aspects of this most momentous event. District Twelve is under the leadership of District Superintendent Eric Loving. This district is comprised of eight churches located throughout four counties in Mississippi to include the following: Winston, Neshoba, Lauderdale, and George. Moreover, District 12 is a member of the Mississippi Southern First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ, where Mother Frankie Davis Murray serves as the Jurisdictional Supervisor of the Women’s Department and Bishop Daniel Titus Littleton serves as the Jurisdictional Prelate.
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WINSTON COUNTY SELF HELP COOPERATIVE’S HANDS-ON/INTERACTIVE SPRING OF 2019 FARM TOURS
James Brewer Vegetable Farm Monday, April 8, 2019 • 11:30 am 17000 Highway 7 North Greenwood, MS 38930
Miller-Gladney’s Forestry Field Day Monday, April 23, 2019 • 10:00 am 2800 Highpoint-Weir Rd, Louisville, MS 39339. Please use Hwy 14 due to north end bridge closure on Highpoint-Weir Rd.
James Storey’s Field Day and Outreach Meeting Tuesday, April 9, 2019 • 9:30 am 166 Benson Rd. Ripley, MS 36663
Skiffer Community Development Association Outreach Meeting Thursday, April 25, 2019 • 10:00 am Skiffer Community Park 152 Mt. Zion Rd. Magee, MS 39111 For more information contact Jimmie Durr 601-940-7630
“What is Diversity Tour” Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance Demonstration Farm Tuesday, April 9, 2019 • 2:00 pm 30003 Shepard Drive East, Okolona, MS 38860 This farm is located on HWY 45. You will see a high tunnel house and markers will be placed on the side of highway. Call Frank Taylor 601-291-2704 for additional assistance. Robert Glover’s Grazing Field Day/Succession Planning Tuesday, April 16, 2019 • 4:00 pm 7672 Hwy 14 Goodman, MS 39079 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”
Greg & Evelyn Nicks’ Farm Grazing Field Day Monday, April 29, 2019 • 4:00 pm 926 Mon Rd. Forest, MS 39074 PI88 Farm Field Day (Ozell White) Tuesday, April 30, 2019 • 11:00 am 5641 Hwy 84 Prentiss, MS 39474
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APRIL 2019 GREENSBORO GAZETTE | NEWS FLASH PHOTO GALLERY
Louisiana Farmers
Louisiana Farmer Craig Coleman Legendary Farmer Robert Robinson
“District 12 Unity Meeting
SCSFLO & WCSHC Housing Workshop
WCSHC’s 4th Business Session & Plant Distribution
95 year old WCSHC Founding Member Dee Dotson checking on his plants
Children participating in 4-H Club activity
Plants: broccoli and cabbages
Editor: WCSHC Team Leader Frank Taylor | Email: fltaylor@bellsouth.net | Phone: 601-291-2704