WINSTON COUNTY SELF HELP COOPERATIVEP.O. Box 774 • Louisville, MS 39339Phone: 601-291-2704 • Email: fltaylor@bellsouth.net • Web: www.wcshc.com“Saving Rural America”

Robert Robinson’s Gardening 101 Session

Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and other southern states received a torrent amount of rainfall last week, which impeded life in rural America and caused farmers to press the pause button on pulverizing their soil in preparation for spring planting. However, Winston County Self Help Cooperative moved the mantle forward with the “legendary Farmer Robert Robinson Gardening 101 Presentation” on Tuesday, March 15, 2016, in Brookhaven, MS. As the temperature hovered above 80 degrees Mr. Robinson’s spoke expletively of his sixty years of producing quality vegetables in central Mississippi.

Robert continues to farm the land his daddy farmed during the Great Dust Bowl. Robinson Farm operation consists of vegetables and beef cattle production. He raises a variety of vegetables including greens, tomatoes, squash, peas, cucumbers, green beans and others. The “Gardening 101 Session” started with a song and prayer rendered by Fenton Pope of Covington County Self Help Project and words of welcome granted by Anna Robinson of Robinson Farm. Frank Taylor, WCSHC elaborated on the purpose of this informative event by highlighting the need for small farmers to ascertain place based

(Right) Legendary Farmer Robert Robinson teaching a participant at his Gardening 101 Session in Brookhaven, MS.

By Frank TaylorEmail: fltaylor@bellsouth.net

Robert Robinson’s Gardening 101,Continued on page 2

Do you remember the days when your grandmother, mom, dad, paw paw and etc. would take you out to their garden for your own personal “Garden 101 Session”? Visiting my grandma in the summers meant learning valuable garden skills such as the ones taught by Mr. Robinson. Each day, my grandma would wake my cousin and I up for our garden lesson and chores. This entailed planting seeds and picking ripe products (i.e. peas, corn, green beans and etc.) and then shelling, shucking, and snapping the products to be placed in the freezer in bags for later use. Every day my cousin and I (two city kids) would devise a plan on how to quickly accomplish our task so that we could spend the remainder of the day playing on the farm. Boy, those were the good ole days!

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Robert Robinson’s Gardening 101,Continued from page 1

farm knowledge, from individuals like Robert Robinson to improve their production in utilizing past agrarian practices. Charmaine Payton, ASU, Agribusiness Educator described a multiplex of services her university offers to assist small farmers in achieving sustainability from their farm enterprises. Benjamin Allen, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soil Conservationist emphasized how his agency can provide support to producers within the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP). Rodney Johnson, Farm Service Agency, Farm Loan Manager revealed individuals can use microloans to purchase a farm and for operating expenses. Rodney encouraged participates to visit their local farm service office to talk with farm loan manager to start the process. Microloans require less completion of forms and a faster turnaround. Aaron Robinson, Farm Service Agency, Outreach Specialist spoke collectively about NAP, CRP, LFP and emergency conservation programs to assist farmers through natural disasters. Robinson distributed materials highlighting heirs’ property issues prohibiting families from obtaining services through USDA. These fact sheets identified non-profits and non-governmental agencies who provides services to help resolve heirs’ property issues.

Mr. Robert Robinson’s presentation

enthralled and enlightened participates about planting their garden in the right location based on soil content. He stated, “You should test the soil to determine the nutrient content and the areas’ conduciveness to grow crops”. He continued with, “You need to evaluate and consider seeds selection. My previous experiences tend to guide my purchase of seeds”. Several individuals inquired how to control pest and predators. Mr. Robinson smiled and unequivocally said “my trademark secret”. The “Gardening 101 Session” ended with multiple individuals asking meaningful questions. Larry Freeman of Louisiana wanted to know how to grow a variety of vegetables and what type of fertilizers to use. Others inquired about his glowing cattle herd and management of his forages. Warmer Hall of Louisiana said, “Mr. Robinson’s agrarian skill set provide inspiration for beginning and veteran farmers”. Robinson stated “we will plant our first seeds in mid-April and hopefully start selling vegetables in early June”. Winston County Self Help Cooperative and partners appreciate the support in creating a successful “Gardening 101 Session”. Also, we extend thanks to the Robinson Family for hosting this illuminating event. If you need more information about the Robinson Farm please call 601-291-2704.

(Left) Legendary Farmer Robert Robinson demonstrates trusted gardening techniques with participants.

POINTSOFINTEREST

Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC) will meet Tuesday March 22,

2016 3:45pm at 2800 Highpoint Weir Road Louisville, MS 39339.

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently announced that this

year’s Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) deadline for producer applications is

March 31, 2016. If you want to be considered in 2016 please visit your local NRCS office

immediately. Also inquire about NRCS’ Local Work Group Meeting.

Farm Service Agency will conduct county committee election. Visit your local FSA office

and learn which Local Administrative Area is open for election in 2016 and qualifying information. Also inquire about date, time

and place of the next FSA County Committee meeting in your county.

Farm Service Agency’s macro loan can be used to purchase a farm. Visit your local FSA office

and start a discussion with the farm loan manager.

Winton County Farm Service’s County Committee Meeting Thursday, March 17, 2016,

9am at USDA office 218 South Columbus Street Louisville, MS.

Mississippi Association of Cooperatives’ 44th ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING March 18-19,

2016 Holmes Community College (Attala Center) 620 West Jefferson Street Kosciusko,

MS 39090. For more information, call 601-354-2750

Starting on March 23, 2016, WCSHC will be teaching healthy eating every Wednesday at

Brickfire Project in Starkville, MS.

April 1, 2016, WCSHC will be leading a walking group every Tuesday at 11 am at Emerson

Family school, in Starkville, MS.

GRANTOPPORTUNITIES

FMLFPP - https://www.ams.usda.gov/content/usda-offers-webinars-local-food-systems-

grant-applicants-26-million-now-available-grant

SCBGP - https://www.ams.usda.gov/content/stakeholder-announcement-62-million-grant-

funding-available-assist-specialty-crop-industry

WINSTON COUNTY SELF HELP COOPERATIVE

P. O. Box 774Louisville, MS 39339

Phone: 601-291-2704Email: fltaylor@bellsouth.net

Web: www.wcshc.com

CARROLL COUNTYOUTREACH MEETING

DATE: MONDAY,MARCH 21, 2016

SPONSORED BY WINSTON COUNTY SELF HELP COOPERATIVE

TIME:6:00 P.M.

LOCATION: EDEN ROCK CME1623 CR 77MCCARLEY, MS 38917

FOR MORE INFO CONTACT:VICKIE ROBERTS RATLIFF (662) 392-0548

WINSTON COUNTY SELF HELP COOPERATIVE

P. O. Box 774Louisville, MS 39339

Phone: 601-291-2704Email: fltaylor@bellsouth.net

Web: www.wcshc.com

HOLMES COUNTY LANDOWNERSO U T R E AC H M E E T I N G

SPONSORED BY WINSTON COUNTY SELF HELP COOPERATIVE

DATE: THURSDAY,MARCH 24, 2016

TIME:6:00 P.M.

LOCATION: Greater Union Outreach Ministry27124 Hwy 17N. Lexington, MS 39095

FOR MORE INFO CONTACT:VICKIE ROBERTS RATLIFF RSVP: (662) 392-0548

ROBERT ROBINSON’S GARDENING 101 SESSION PHOTO GALLERY

Editor: WCSHC Team Leader Frank Taylor | Email: fltaylor@bellsouth.net | Phone: 601-291-2704

Layout and Design by Marqueus Draper

Editor: WCSHC Team Leader Frank Taylor | Email: fltaylor@bellsouth.net | Phone: 601-291-2704

Layout and Design by Marqueus Draper