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
Continued on page 2 “HELPING FARMERS MANAGE THEIR NATURAL RESOURCES”
Continued from page 1 System. “I wasn’t sure of my path forward after graduation; however, with support from teachers and family, I made a solid choice by selecting agriculture as a career.” Jason serves as MSU Extension Service Agricultural Agent in Scott County. Esmeralda Dickson, Mississippi State Statistician, NASS, invoked words of encouragement to pursue your dreams with determination and commitment.After receiving her master’s degree from Tuskegee University, Esmeralda worked in the automotive industry for several years before landing her dream job with the National Agricultural Statistics Service. She recounted the word perseverance as the catalyst in powering her success. The program ended with Frank Taylor presenting a certificate to Nathan Hardy, a ninth grader for his commitment to help save rural America. Nathan started his cattle operation in 2019 with assistance from WCSHC, SCSFLO, Bobby Joe, and Sherrie Spivey. Additionally, Frank awarded Scott Central High School Attendant Center and staff with WCSHC’s Save Rural America Certificate. Scott County Small Farmers and Landowners Organization continued part two of their 4th Save Rural America Conference at Little Rock M. B. Church, 4 pm. “We are thankful for the support from our members,WCSHC, and friends,
according to Greg Nicks (SCSFLO member). We are trying to help individuals and families maintain their farms and homesteads. SCSFLO provides current and relevant information to help families sustain while homesteading in rural America. This conference offers community-based organizations, USDA, and Universities’ personnel an opportunity to disseminate pertinent information to benefit attendees.” Allen Crosswhite, Area Director of Rural Development, said, “He has enjoyed
participating and sharing information over the years to help families obtain quality homes. However, this is my last conference, and I will be retiring in February.”The audience thanked Allen with a round of applause. Other resource providers delivered potent presentations that swayed some participants to rethink their vision about living in rural America. The conference ended with Phyllis Caples serving a superb meal.
SCSFLO MARCH 2020 PHOTO GALLERY Terry Walker visit in Atlanta, GA
2
SCSFLO March 2020 News Flash | Moving Forward
Scott Central Attendance Center Save Rural America Conference, January 23, 2020
Birmingham, AL Sunday morning breakfast, December 8, 2019
SCSFLO March 2020 News Flash | Moving Forward
3
SCSFLO Business Session, November 18, 2019
WCSHC Christmas Gala, December 13, 2019
SCSFLO 4th Save Rural America Conference, January 23, 2020
4
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. “USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender�