Holmes County, MS, is located in the Mississippi Delta. The 2022 farm census ranked Holmes County with the second-highest number of Black farmers in the state of Mississippi. The county’s land terrain is described as hills and flat lands. Tchula, MS, is the center point of the flat lands in Holmes County (western parts). Cotton production is king in this underserved and unserved town. Tchula has a distinct history. The federal government’s New Deal programs, in the 1930s, helped many Black farmers acquire land in Holmes County. The county government supported the settlement. In a later initiative, the government bought land on a former plantation and divided it among Black tenants, creating a community that later became a key site for civil rights activism. I encourage you to delve deeper into the history of Tchula, MS.
Mr. Herman Williams’ stately farm is located north of Lexington, MS, near the Sunny Mount Community. Herman was selected to take part in a trial, “Animal Herd Health Program,” in 2023, under the guidance of Merck Animal Health Initiative. Herman said, “This initiative helped my overall farm operations. I learned how to improve the herd’s health through peer learning and visiting other farm operations. This training series has added dollars at the sales gate.” Although the program ended in September, Herman continues to implement strategies he learned. Herman’s herd received vaccinations, worming, and spray through Tri-County Veterinary Service on Saturday, November 15, 2025. We appreciate our Health Advisor, Michael Trusclair, for engineering this pilot program. This opportunity is generating hope for future cattle herders in my family. Michael’s years of formal training highlighted our lack of providing herd-health planning and implementation. Additionally, we convey thanks to Allen McReynolds for spearheading and organizing each farm working session. Michael and Allen are leading a fortified effort to help small cattle farmers generate more income from their cattle operations. This program is administered through the Winston County Self Help Cooperative based in Louisville, MS. Join forces with WCSHC to help save rural America. wcshc.com
