Cattle farming is a significant sector of Mississippi’s agricultural economy. Mississippi cattlemen not only raise cattle for the state, but also for the entire nation. The cattlemen members of the Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC) were experiencing challenges raising their cattle and recognized the need to establish a program to address the identified issues. Mr. Michael Trusclair (project director), Allen McReynolds (WCSHC), and Mr. Walter Jackson (program initiative technical advisor) formed an initiative under the guise of the WCSHC. The program, funded by Merck, ran for a period of two years and focused on enhancing soil and cattle health to improve cattle operations. Over the lifetime of the initiative, the team visited individual cattle farmers on their farms to amend the soil, inspect cattle, administer vaccinations, deworm, and perform other necessary activities. By the end of the program, the cattlemen saw significant improvement in raising their cattle.
Winston County Self Help Cooperative hosted an elaborate meeting on September 20, 2025, to discuss the outcomes of the cattle project and gather feedback. Cattlemen from all over the state joined in the festivities to learn the event’s outcomes. Mr. Jackson, the program initiative technical advisor, shared a litany of proven methods that work to enhance cattlemen. He also shared his learned mistakes. The cattlemen were attentive and eager to soak up the shared information.
Mr. Lovett, a cattlemen in Heidelberg, MS, shared his most profound appreciation for the program. Mr. Heidelberg of Jones County also expressed his appreciation for the program. Per Mr. Heidelberg, “We need to figure out a way to keep our cattlemen’s group going. I know the funding has ended, but we can figure out how to pay the dues, so we can keep Dr. Peyton and the team together, ensuring we have the support of the others.” This group shared experiences and failures, making them family.
We presented certificates of service to the cattlemen and plaques to Dr. John Hutcheson and Dr, Harold Newcomb both of Merck and Dr. L.C. Peyton (Tri-County, Vet). As the meeting came to a close, Frank Taylor (WCSHC team leader) and Mayla Odom (WCSHC) presented Mr. Allen McReynolds with a retirement gift: a pen and plaque. They shared words of appreciation for his dedication to the Winston County Self Help Cooperative over the years and wished him a happy retirement.
Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Sharonne Cooper.
For more photos from this event click link.
