2 - GREENSBORO GAZETTE NEWS FLASH | JUNE 2019 Ozell White Field Day Continued from page 1 value and fertilizer needs. Thomas stated that some vegetables are transplanted rather than using seeds because transplants will shorten production time by several weeks between planting and harvesting. He also gave some insights on mulching, insects identification and control, insecticides and vegetable diseases. Participants were able to ask questions after each presenter. Approximately ten (10) farmers was intended.
Winston County Chapter of AARP
WCSHC April 2019
By Jean Harper Email: jeanh29@bellsouth.net
The Winston County Chapter of the American Association of Retired People conducted their monthly meeting on April 10, 2019 at the Winston County Extension Office in Louisville, MS. Jim McAdory, Winston County Extension Agent provided information on growing fresh vegetables in containers and raise beds. The Winston County Self Help Cooperative partnered with AARP and donated tomatoes and bell peppers plants to reduce food insecurity among senior citizens. The Winston County AARP chapter members were excited to receive the plants with hope of a great harvest. This donation will add value to my health according to AARP member Lorine Gladney through the caring and managing of the plants.
WCSHC members at Alcorn State University’s Annual Small Farmers Conference in Robbinsville, MS. Jean Harper, WCSH Youth Director
By Staff
John Paul Davis’ All-Natural Vegetable Operation
Winston County Self Help Cooperative accomplished several monumental tasks in the month of March, with eager eyes focused on the upcoming month. In order to enjoy the month of April, cooperative members needed to transplant tomatoes, onions, peppers, broccoli and cabbage plants, received through the co-op, as a membership benefit. In order to achieve this mission, cooperative member braced unseasonable
cool weather and placed their plants into the soil to meet the targeted deadline. As the dust settled on the past month’s accomplishments, WCSHC members gathered their belongings and shuffled over to Wal-Mart’s parking lot. This assured an 8 a.m. departure for Alcorn State University’s Annual Small Farmers Conference, April 1-3, 2019 in Robbinsville, MS. You can read more about this story and other related cooperative activities during April, in this edition of the Greensboro Gazette News Flash.
Coach James Storey Farm qualification and ranking. John dialoged about 2019 Statewide EQIP Program Practices, Rates and Ranking Information. John’s closed by reflecting one of NRCS’ Mantra of “No one knows more about your land than you do, and no one knows more about conservation than we do. Together we can develop a plan tailored to your land and your goals to help you increase productivity and protect the value of your land.” Coach James Storey (Left) WCSHC member Clyde Jefferson and (Right) WCSHC Team Leader Frank Taylor
By Frank Taylor Email: fltaylor@bellsouth.net
On Monday, April 8, 2019 members gathered for a two-day venture across the Delta into the boot hills of northeast Mississippi. As darkness relented members packed their travel gear on the van’s back seat for destinations north of Louisville, Ms. Twenty-five minutes into the venture, torrential rain crossed state highway 82 causing the van driver to slow under 50 miles per hour. The ragtag team seem to be undaunted by the adverse weather conditions as the van forged into Montgomery County. Frank Taylor parceled out details about the impending visit with John Paul Davis’ AllNatural Vegetable Operation. Frank described John Paul as a beginning farmer with less than five years of experience. John Paul’s operation consists of vegetables and fruit trees. John’s marketing outlets includes on the farm and direct sales to a broad base of customers. Finally, Frank instructed team members to ask John Paul questions about his farming format. The ragtag team descended onto the all-natural farm as John Paul unleashed polite greetings. He requested the group to
gather under an opened top porch for a round table discussion about his farm operation. This informal meeting included Taharga Hart of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), District Conservationist for Montgomery and Carrol Counties. Taharga recounted a bevy of services to help you manage your natural resources. Taharga encouraged participants to develop a tentative conservation plan before your initial appointment and stated,“I would advise you to visit with veteran farmers and learn about their farm operations.” Bobby Hardin said, “you should discuss your farm plans with your county extension agent. They can provide you with data to help you determine the viability of your planned farm operation.” Taharga pointed towards John’s high-tunnel house and water well. He said,“our agency provided financial assistance to help construct each project through a competitive application process. I will encourage you as a potential client to visit your local office of NRCS for more information.” John Paul closed this informal John Paul Davis’ All-Natural Vegetable, Continued on page 3
By Staff
The rag-tag team reassembled on Tuesday morning April 9, 2019 in the hotel eatery, where the troops consumed a healthy breakfast. After meandering back and forth for thirty minutes, Frank Taylor rallied the cavalry to mount up for a fifteen minutes ride north to Coach James Storey’s Farm in Ripley, MS. Coach Storey retired from the Tippah County Public School System in 2017 after more than thirty years of teaching, coaching and serving as an administrator. Coach Storey’s commitment to serve mankind continues to illuminate through his management skills of the natural resources. Coach’s diverse farm comprises of cattle, forestry, poultry, rabbits and vegetables. Coach uttered these words,“I love this arena better than when I played football in the late 70s.”WCSHC members inquired about Coach’s relationship with USDA. Coach stated, “He received conservation practices with a pond. I applied for other practices last fall before the cut off period and I hope to receive positive news soon about the process.” John T. Estes, NRCS, Tippah County District Conservationist offered several platforms about programs to manage the natural resources. John chatted about recent program changes in turns of