Wcshc 2011 yearly report

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Winston County Self Help Cooperative and Youth Group

2011 YEARLY REPORT Louisville, Mississippi

~ F o u n d ed in 1 9 8 5 ~

“Keeping Working Lands in Working Hands”

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 774 • Louisville, MS 39339 Phone: 662-779-2400 • Email: winstoncshc@att.net Website: www.wcshc.com “A Team Committed to Help Save Rural America”

Table of Contents Winston County Self Help Cooperative’s 2011 Yearly Report

WCSHC’s Western Alabama 2501 Staff Summary

WCSHC History, Page 3 WCSHC’s 2011 Reflections., Page 3 WCSHC’s Fourth Saving Rural America Conference, Page 4 WCSHC’s Leadership Development, Page 5 WCSHC’s Field Days, Page 5 WCSHC’s Outreach Meetings, Page 5 WCSHC’s Homebuyer Seminars, Page 6 WCSHC’s Rural Development, Page 6 WCSHC’s Fire Safety Workshops, Page 6 WCSHC‘s Heifer Project, Page 7 WCSHC‘s Economic Tours, Page 7 WCSHC‘s Animal Health Program, Page 7 Mississippi-Alabama’s NRCS, Page 8 Mississippi-Alabama’s FSA, Page 8 WCSHC’s Internet Radio Program, Page 8 WCSHC’s Greensboro Echo Newsletter, Page 9 WCSHC’s Continuing Education, Page 9 WCSHC’s Video Documentary, Page 9 WCSHC’s Canning Workshop, Page 10 WCSHC’s Legislative Update., Page 10 WCSHC Fitness and Wellness Program, Page 10 WCSHC’s Farmers Market Bulletin Website, Page 11 Winston County Self Help Cooperative and Youth Group, Page 11 Associate Groups Achievements, Page 11

Group Meetings and Workshop, Page 20 Number of Farmers in Attendance at Workshops, Page 20 Number of Farm Visits, Page 20 RC&D Councils, Page 20 Three Educational Workshops, Page 20 Youth Employment and Training, Page 20 Employment and Green Job Development, Page 20 Forestry Graduate Student, Page 21 Canning Workshops, Page 21 Vegetable Marketing, Page 21 Agro-Forestry Workshop, Page 21 Wealth Creation, Page 21 Wayne County Self Help Organization Educational and Youth Conference, Page 22 WCSHO & WCSHC Canning Workshop, Page 22 WCSHO & WCSHC Canning Workshop, Page 22 WCSHO & WCSHC Summer Youth Event, Page 22 WCSHO & WCSHC Record Keeping Workshops, Page 22 WCSHO & WCSHC Forestry Outreach Meeting, Page 22 WCSHO Meetings, Page 22 WCSHC Southeast MS 2501 Staff, Page 22 WCSHC Southeast MS 2501 Staff, Page 22

Winston County Self Help Youth Group’s 2011 Yearly Report WCSH Youth Group Nutritional Workshops, Page 12 WCSH Youth Group, Kids in the Kitchen, Page 12 WCSH Youth Group Fire Safety Workshops, Page 13 WCSH Youth Group Forestry Workshops, Page 13 WCSH Youth Group Enrichment Classes, Page 14 WCSH Youth Group Child Development Workshops, Page 14 WCSH Youth Group Garden Project, Page 15 WCSH Youth Group Community Services, Page 15 WCSH Youth Group Relay for Life Meetings, Page 15 WCSH Youth Group Clean Up Campaign, Page 16 WCSH Youth Group Camera Club, Page 16 WCSH Youth Group Community Services, Page 17 WCSH Youth Group Community Outreach Projects, Page 17 WCSH Youth Group Tackle Hunger, Page 17 WCSH Youth Group Mother and Daughter Seminar, Page 18 WCSH Youth Group Father and Son Seminar, Page 18 WCSH Youth Group Participated in Field Days, Page 18 WCSH Youth Group College Tours, Page 19 WCSH Youth Group New Addition, Page 19

WCSHC’s Starter Groups Achievements Oktibbeha County Small Farmers and Landowners Group 2011 Achievements Group Meetings and Workshop, Page 23 Number of Farmers in Attendance at Meetings, Page 23 Number of Farm Visits, Page 23 Three Educational Workshops, Page 23 Youth Employment and Training, Page 23 Canning Workshops, Page 23 Hay Marketing, Page 23 Workshop and Conference Attendance, Page 23 Leake, Madison, and Scott Counties Farmers Connection, Page 23 2011 COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS, PAGE 23

• This year’s annual report includes video interviews with WCSHC members and partners. To view these, visit http://www.wcshc.com/ the video is located on the introductory web page to the WCSHC website.

2 | Winston County Self Help Cooperative | 2011 Yearly Report

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Winston County Self Help Cooperative’s 2011 Yearly Report WCSHC History: Winston County Self Help Cooperative organized in 1985 with four founding members actives today: Mary Hannah, Bobby Hardin, Omerio and Dee Dotson. WCSHC helps small farmers purchase and sell in bulk with a goal of creating sustainability in rural communities. Co-op membership consists of 74 members, averages age 52 (46 males and 28 females).

Mary Hannah

Bobby Hardin

Omerio Dotson

Dee Dotson

WCSHC’s 2011 Reflections: Winston County Self Help Cooperative steely determination accrued a successful calendar year with numerous events and accolades. WCSHC’s Mantra of “Helping Save Rural America” motivated members to stay engages throughout 2011. WCSHC fiscal year started on December 29, 2011 with a superb, kick-off meeting with 28 members in attendant. The theme, “Right Here Right now” enabled members to achieved 65 percent of its goals

by March 31). WCSHC held several educational workshops, field days, outreach meetings and leadership classes).

The cooperative conducted 17 official business sessions and attendant of 45 members per meeting. WCSHC meet first Monday @ 3:50 p.m. or on Saturday mornings 6:50 a.m. at Winston County Extension Office in Louisville, MS. Members attributed the co-op’s strategic plan for accomplishing this mark.

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WCSHC’s Fourth Saving Rural America Conference: WCSHC held its fourth Saving Rural America Conference on February 22 & 23, 2011 at Louisville Coliseum with more than 350 participants. Quinton Robinson of USDA office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) served as luncheon speaker. The conference offered multiple workshops: goat husbandry, sheep and cattle management, Mississippi Forestry Commission and USDA’s program updates. Several states represented Louisiana, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Arkansas, and Virginia Tennessee.

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WCSHC’s Leadership Development: WCSHC conducted a leadership seminar for 10 individuals from Alabama and Mississippi. Participants learned methods of identifying community resources and developing strategic plans to impact their communities socially and economically.

WCSHC’s Field Days: WCSHC sponsored 10 field days to provide members, supporter and friends with hands-on experiences and guidance from service providers.

WCSHC’s Outreach Meetings: WCSHC sponsored 34 out-reach meetings, collaborated with NRCS, FSA, RD and other non-profit organization.

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WCSHC’s Homebuyer Seminars: WCSHC sponsored two seminars-provided tips on how to purchase a home and avoid foreclosure. Assisted 20 families with homeownership’s issue.

WCSHC’s Rural Development: WCSHC sponsored three seminars in conjunction with USDA-Rural Development to complete loan and grant applications.

WCSHC’s Fire Safety Workshops: Mississippi leads the nation in home fire fatalities. WCSHC sponsored four fire safety workshops and donated over 80 smoke detectors to needy homes.

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WCSHC‘s Heifer Project: WCSHC passed on 5 bred heifers between 2 families in 2011. Members sold 150 heads of cattle. Purchase 5 nanny goats for one family.

WCSHC‘s Economic Tours: WCSHC sponsored four economic tours of various farm entities including blue berry, mushroom and orchard fruits.

WCSHC‘s Animal Health Program: WCSHC collaborated with Mississippi State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine to provide health care for cooperative members and associated group’s animals.

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Mississippi-Alabama’s NRCS: 82 individuals including WCSHC members and associated group member received cost share assistance through Natural Resources Conservation Service’ Small Farmers Initiative for fertilization, alternative water sources and pest control, cross fence and other services.

Mississippi-Alabama’s FSA: 23 individuals received farm, operating and youth loans.

WCSHC’s Internet Radio Program: Winston County Self Help Cooperative lunched its weekly Internet radio program in June.

THE HOST OF THE SAVING RURAL AMERICA LIVE INTERNET TALK RADIO SHOW WCSHC Team Leader Frank Taylor “The Voice of Rural America”

8 | Winston County Self Help Cooperative | 2011 Yearly Report

WCSHC’s Greensboro Echo Newsletter: WCSHC published 3 newspapers. Additionally, the WCSH Youth Group appeared in several national magazines and local newspapers.

WCSHC’s Continuing Education: WCSHC sponsored 16 computer trainings, which benefited several individuals with job promotions and connected members with current commodity prices and USDA’s Programs.

WCSHC’s Video Documentary: WCSHC filmed a documentary featuring the cooperative 4 founding members.

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WCSHC’s Canning Workshop: WCSHC conducted three canning workshops. Participants learned methods of preserving fresh vegetables and recipes for home-made jellies.

WCSHC’s Legislative Update: Twelve members visited the Mississippi State Capital and informed legislators of economic needs in rural communities. Member met with the senate chairwoman of agriculture and sounded the alarm on transportation, health care and public schools funding.

WCSHC Fitness and Wellness Program: This program generated enthusiasm and hopefulness towards a healthier Winston County through weekly walks.

10 | Winston County Self Help Cooperative | 2011 Yearly Report

WCSHC’s Farmers Market Bulletin Website: Winston County Self Help Cooperative lunched marketing website in June. This website features producers from Mississippi, Florida, Louisiana, Alabama and North Carolina. Site URL: http://www.wcshc.com/FMB

Winston County Self Help Cooperative and Youth Group: The cooperative served over 1800 individuals in 2011.The cooperative’s commitment to “Help Save Rural America” carried forth strength and courage to make a difference in where we live and work.

Associate Groups Achievements: Leake, Madison, and Scott Counties Farm Connection conducted 12 monthly meetings with average attendant of 18 participants. LMS members elected officers in November 2011, helped organized strike force outreach meeting with 52 in attendant, planted youth garden, conducted cattle vaccination on 2 farms and one canning workshop in Lena, MS.

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Winston County Self Help Youth Group’s 2011 Yearly Report WCSH Youth Group Nutritional Workshops: WCSH Youth conducted nine nutritional workshops to teach importance of planning nutritious meals for adults of all ages. Workshops promoted eating healthy, reducing obesity and chronic diseases.

WCSH Youth Group, Kids in the Kitchen: WCSH youth sponsored five kids in the kitchen workshops. They learned kitchen safety, etiquette, making healthy food choices, canning techniques and teamwork.

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WCSH Youth Group Fire Safety Workshops: WCSH youth sponsored five fire safety workshops. Members learned fundamental of fire escape plan and how to identify hazardous material that causes home fires.

WCSH Youth Group Forestry Workshops: WCSH youth sponsored four forestry workshops. Participants learned trees and leaf identification methods and how to develop a relationship with Mother Earth’s natural resources.

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WCSH Youth Group Enrichment Classes: Spearheaded sixteen enrichment classes to prepare youth members for oratory competition and improved reading skills. Youth participated in ten computer classes to enhance their knowledge of basic computer skills.

WCSH Youth Group Child Development Workshops: WCSH Youth participated in 9 workshops. These workshops taught different techniques of caring for pre-school children. Arts/crafts games and playful activities were included in these workshops..

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WCSH Youth Group Garden Project: Youth group planted spring and fall garden and donated over $5000.00 of fresh vegetables to needy families and senior citizens. WCSH Youth Group convened their Second Youth in Agriculture Conference� with more than 120 participants.

WCSH Youth Group Community Services: WCSH Youth participated in 12 Diabetes Classes and learned methods of lower hypertension and diabetes.

WCSH Youth Group Relay for Life Meetings: WCSH Youth partnered with The American Cancer Society in fighting for a cure for cancer.

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WCSH Youth Group’s Clean Up Campaign: Youth sponsored a litter eradicate campaign.

WCSH Youth Group Camera Club: WCSH Youth participated in six session and they learned camera techniques and exploring different types of pictures.

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WCSH Youth Group Community Services: WCSH Youth Group donated Christmas boxes filled with food for needy individuals. Youth learned the reason for giving back. WCSH Youth Group participated with the Chamber of Commerce in the planning of the Red Hill Festival to develop leadership skills.

WCSH Youth Group Tackle Hunger: WCSH Youth Group joined youth across U.S. in Souper Bowl of Caring. Through this mission youth learned to make a difference in the world by giving to families in distress.

WCSH Youth Group’s Community Outreach Projects: Youth provided potted tomato plants for senior citizen. Youth members conducted four outreach health and wellness programs.

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WCSH Youth Group’s Mother and Daughter Seminar: WCSH Youth Group sponsored a “Mother and Daughter Seminar.” This event focused on building families relationships.

WCSH Youth Group’s Father and Son Seminar: Father and Son Seminar spotlighted “Bridging the Gap between Male Factors.”

WCSH Youth Group Participated in Field Days: WCSH Youth Group participated in four field days including cattle, forestry and natural resources.

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WCSH Youth Group’s College Tours: WCSH youth toured five colleges which included Emory University, Alcorn State University, Morehouse College, University of Georgia and Spellman. Tours provided inspiration and allowed youth to inquire about career choices and majors.

WCSH Youth Group’s New Addition: WCSH Group established the Clover Buds Group. Composition of K - 5th graders.

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WCSHC’s Western Alabama 2501 Staff Summary Group Meetings and Workshop: Conducted 34 outreach workshops and training meetings in Alabama where NRCS and other partnership presented program information.

Number of Farmers in Attendance at Workshops: 801 farmers and ranchers were in attendance at group meeting and workshops facilitated by WCSHC 2501 staff in Alabama.

Number of Farm Visits: Made 179 farm and home visits in 2011 and the primary focus were to assist with the implementation of EQIP contracts and marketing of farm raised products.

RC&D Councils: Worked with RC&D Councils in west Alabama to assist small landowners construct hoop houses that were approved under the EQIP program. Over 20 hoop houses were constructed by a green team that was put together by the WCSHC staff in west Alabama.

Three Educational Workshops: Were conducted in conjunction with other partnerships to train farmers how to use hoop houses to create wealth.

The Ala-Tom RC&D Council purchased a plastic culture machine to assist small farmers with vegetable production.

The council assigned the machine over to the WCSHS staff for management.

Youth Employment and Training: Assisted the A.L. Johnson High School in Thomaston, Alabama with the activation of its green house to learn how to develop starter plants for local farmers with the involvement of High School Science Students. Provided employment opportunities for four young people at farmers markets in West Alabama.

Employment and Green Job Development: WCSHC staff facilitated a process and put together a green team to assist with the construction of a hoop houses, expanded a farmers market, developed a natural spring, collected rain water from hoop houses and renovated a county park. Over 15 people received employment in this effort.

20 | Winston County Self Help Cooperative | 2011 Yearly Report

Forestry Graduate Student: A Graduate Forestry Student from Alabama A&M was assigned to the Alabama WCSH 2501 staff in West Alabama to assist with general outreach activities to include forestry during the summer of 2011. Assisted 12 small landowners receive forestry management plans developed by technical service providers (TSP).

Canning Workshops: The WCSHC 2501 staff in Alabama conducted canning workshops in Sumter, Marengo and Perry Counties, over 20 people attended these workshops. Hands on participation were conducted in each of these workshops and participants took home products that they canned.

Vegetable Marketing: Assisted West Alabama farmers with marketing vegetables through WCSHC’s market bulletin, farmers markets and urban population centers which included Birmingham and Mobile Alabama.

Agro-Forestry Workshop: WCSHC 2501 staff in West Alabama assisted with an agro-forestry workshop looking at how to use goats in the management of forestry stands. Over 40 landowners from Alabama and Mississippi attended.

Wealth Creation: WCSHC staff in Alabama working in conjunction with the Ford Foundation and other partnerships is conducting research in West Alabama in an effort to connect farmers, aggregator and other value chains to create wealth involving agriculture. A proposal has been written and the 2501 staff is waiting on the funding result for implementation. .

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WCSHC’s Southeast Mississippi 2501 Staff Summary Wayne County Self Help Organization Educational and Youth Conference: Provided leadership and coordinated Wayne County Self Help Organization 1st Saving Rural America and Youth Conference. This conference attracted approximately 200 plus farmers, landowners, youth, and other interested individuals. As a result of this conference individuals have utilizes services through USDA and state’s service providers.

WCSHO & WCSHC Canning Workshop: Two outreach meetings in Jasper and Clark Counties Mississippi drew 122 farmers, homemakers and youth.

WCSHO & WCSHC Canning Workshop: Three canning workshops engaged participants within a 40 miles radius of Waynesboro Mississippi. Individuals learned procedures for make jams and preserving fresh vegetables.

WCSHO & WCSHC Summer Youth Event: Youth enrichment event focused on career choices with 80 in attendants.

WCSHO & WCSHC Record Keeping Workshops: Two record keeping workshops in Waynesboro and Quitman Counties Mississippi for beginning and small farmers.

WCSHO & WCSHC Forestry Outreach Meeting: This event drew 118 small and medium size forest landowners. Topics discussed “Longleaf Pine Restoration Program and “Forest Management Plans.”

WCSHO Meetings: Wayne County Self Help Organization coordinated and conducted 10 regular/special meetings.

WCSHC Southeast MS 2501 Staff: WCSHC Southeast MS 2501 Staff conducted 891 farm visits to assist individuals with implementation of EQIP’s contracts, cattle/forage management, vegetable production/marketing, forestry management/timber marketing and other needed services.

WCSHC Southeast MS 2501 Staff: WCSHC Southeast MS 2501 Staff positively impacted approximately 1021 plus people. This assistance helped bring thousands of dollars to farmers/landowners and improved sustainability.

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WCSHC’s Starter Groups Achievements Oktibbeha County Small Farmers and Landowners Group 2011 Achievements Group Meetings and Workshop: 10 outreach meetings throughout the year. Meeting occurred s at American Legion Post 240 located at 3828 Pat Station Rd. Starkville, MS.

Number of Farmers in Attendance at Meetings: Meetings averaged 10 farmers the total of farmers impacted was 50.

Number of Farm Visits: 10 farm and home visits in 2011 and the primary focus was to assist encourage participation in all FSA and NRCS program and provide issue specific consultation on various matters.

Three Educational Workshops: Educational workshops in conjunction with NRCS, Gaining Ground Sustainability and Mississippi Association of Cooperatives.

Youth Employment and Training: Assisted 10 people in acquiring jobs most in non-agriculture areas.

Canning Workshops: Conducted 1 canning workshop at the Sand Creek M. B. church located at 3818 Rock hill Rd. Starkville, Ms. 20 people attended this workshop. Various canning procedures were discussed and presented.

Hay Marketing: Assisted farmers from Oktibbeha and Clay counties sale hay through the Mississippi hay directory. Hay sales total impact was in excess of $20,000. We will focus efforts on devising a better plan for the 2012 year to increase sales and profit margins.

Workshop and Conference attendance: Attended 5 workshops, seminars, and conferences in 2011.

Leake, Madison, and Scott Counties Farmers Connection: Leake, Madison, and Scott Counties Farmers Connection conducted 12 monthly meetings with average attendant of 18 participants. LMS members elected officers in November 2011, helped organized strike force outreach meeting with 52 in attendant, planted youth garden, conducted cattle vaccination on 2 farms and one canning workshop in Lena, MS. 2011 Yearly Report | Winston County Self Help Cooperative | 23

2011 Collaborative Partners Winston County Extension Office National Institute of Food and Agriculture USDA-Office of Advocacy and Outreach Heifer International Black Belt Foundation Dennis Murray of YDACBINC Winston County Office of Natural Resources Conservation Service Winston County Office of Farm Service Agency Rooted in the Community National Agricultural Statistics Service Kentucky State University Extension Program Mississippi’s State Office of Rural Development Mississippi’s State Office of Farm Service Agency Mississippi State University Extension Program Alabama A & M University Extension Program Alabama A&M University Forestry, Ecology & Wildlife Program Alcorn State University’s Extension Program Alcorn State University’s Mississippi Small Farm Development Center Mississippi State University‘s College of Veterinary Medicine Tuskegee University Mississippi Association of Cooperatives Federation of Southern Cooperatives Wayne County Extension Office National Wildlife Federation Mississippi Wildlife Federation Mississippi’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Mississippi Forestry Commission 24 | Winston County Self Help Cooperative | 2011 Yearly Report

Southern Echo Incorporation Southern University’s Ag-Center U S Forest Service Mississippi Farm Bureau National Network of Forest Practitioners Minority Landowner Magazine Winston County Journal Newspaper Winston County Public Library City of Louisville Winston County’s Board of Supervisors WLSM Radio Station Harrington Soul Food Eatery Simpson County Self Help Livestock Group Wayne County Self Help Group Attala County Self Help Cooperative South Rankin County Farmers’ Association Chester Bradley’s Cattle Farm Operation Spring Plant Robert Robinson’s Farm-Brookhaven, MS TRI-County Agriculture Cooperative-Batesville, MS Grenada’s Farmers Market-Grenada, MS St. Helena Parish Cattle Company-Greensburg, LA Imaginers and Dreamers-Uneedus, LA Southern University Law Center North Delta Produce Growers Cooperative-Mark, MS Mid-South Progressive Agricultural Group-Holly Spring, MS

For additional information on the Winston County Self Help Cooperative, please visit our website: www.wcshc.com.