By: Jonathan Evans
On Thursday, May 16th, 2024, Chris Mayberry and the Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC) hosted a field day in Shuqualak, Mississippi, on the Mayberry’s farm. The day was filled with various activities, including interactive workshops, farm tours, and guest speaker sessions. We were honored to have prominent pillars in the community, such as Senator Rod Hickman; Fatty Hickman, Crayton Coleman Noxubee Extension Agent; Orlando Ellerby of the Mississippi Forestry Commission; J.C Butler of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS); and the mayor of Shuqualak, Velma Jenkins, who shared their insights and experiences with the attendees.
Allen McReynolds of the WCSHC introduced Mr. Mayberry’s children, Ian and Zoe Mayberry. They began the program with a warm welcome and a brief history of the Mayberry farm. Ian shared his personal experiences, highlighting the impact of the WCSHC Pass-on Program. “Through the WCSHC Pass-on Program, I was able to learn responsibility, getting up before school to feed the cattle, making sure the herd was going well, and I even bottle-fed two calves. I am very thankful for the opportunities the WCSHC has given me,” he expressed. This sentiment emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning and the role of community initiatives in youth development.
Mr. Mayberry, a beacon of commitment, shared the remarkable benefits of the youth loan program through the FSA, which his son Ian utilized in 2020 to purchase their herd. He explained that these loans, designed to finance income-producing agricultural projects for youth ages 10 to 20, have the potential to transform lives. Ian’s success story is a testament to this program; his herd doubled. Mr. Mayberry, with a glimmer of anticipation, emphasized his plans to replicate this success when his daughter Zoe comes of age. His unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of farmers is a beacon of hope for the continuity of agricultural practices.
Senator Rod Hickman, representing District 32, is a prominent figure in the agriculture committee. Senator Hickman passionately emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with agricultural roots, passing down knowledge to the next generation, and the growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI). He stressed, ‘The minority farm industry needs to grow. We need to ensure our children have the hands-on experience they need to sustain themselves.’ His message underscores the critical role of education and tradition in preserving agricultural practices in the minority community, a cause that demands our immediate attention and action.
Fatty Hickman, a Crayton Coleman Noxubee Extension Agent, provided valuable insight on fly control for cattle. This issue can significantly impact herd health and business profitability. ‘What many people don’t realize is when flies on your heifer with a calf, the heifer is now stressed because she is trying to defend against flies and feed her calf… so that has a negative effect on the calf,’ he explained. Fatty advised the audience to spray their herds every two months or use fly tags to mitigate this problem. Doing this will ensure better health and weight for the calves, leading to higher profits for the farmers.
The field day, a testament to the community’s commitment to agricultural practices, demonstrated the significance of a solid community foundation. The partnership between local farmers and the WCSHC, which emphasizes education, tradition, and support from community leaders, has led to several benefits. This foundation ensures that resources, knowledge, and support are available to sustain and grow the minority farming industry. Events like these, which are made possible by the collective effort of the community, strengthen the community’s bonds, fostering a sense of shared purpose and support essential for long-term sustainability.
We are grateful to the Mayberry Family for their generosity in allowing us to have this event and showcase the strong foundation they have built in Shuqualak, Mississippi. We also extend our thanks to the community pillars, whose presence and support were instrumental in making this event a success. Lastly, we express our appreciation to all the speakers for sharing their valuable insights and experiences, which have undoubtedly enriched our understanding of agricultural practices and community development.
View more photos from this event.
