After more than eighty years of planting crops, baling hay, and managing cattle, Mr. Richard Carter decided to retire from farming. I was born and raised on the family farm in the Eucutta Community (Wayne County, MS). My parents, Arbry and Doral Carter, raised seven children with love and stern guidance. My faith was essential to overcome Jim Crowism and the lack of access to the bare necessities. As children, we learned the art of surviving by working along with our parents on the farm. They grew butter and greens beans, squash, sugar cane, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, okra, greens, and watermelons for the family’s food consumption. My parents raised cotton to supplement the family income. Cotton was considered the cash crop. Cotton proceeds paid the property taxes and other pertinent needs. Additionally, we sold peas for three cents per pound at the pea company in Laurel, MS. My dad taught me the methods of plowing a mule at the tender age of 12 years old. I mastered the words “gee and haw.” These are the commands needed to obtain your master’s degree in plowing a mule or horse. As a young boy, I earned the nickname “Milkman” because I loved eating milk and bread. My childhood included some fun activities. I enjoyed playing basketball. However, we didn’t have a basketball goal. We used our clever farm skills to convert a bicycle rim into a basketball goal. I organized a singing group at the age of 15 years old. The group was named “The Friendly Five.” We started performing at Springhill United Methodist Church, located on Springhill Church Road. I attended Altair Community School. We walked six miles round-trip per day to catch the bus for school. These meaningful lessons prepared me to explore life’s opportunities. My first job was cutting pulpwood with the family. This was back-breaking work from sunup to sundown. Also, I worked at a service station and Davis Brothers. However, two-thirds of my work career was with a pipeline company. This career allowed me an opportunity to provide a quality life for my family. Additionally, I stayed connected to the farm. I raised cattle with my daddy until I purchased a herd in 1970. I have enjoyed watching my herds develop into marketable animals. I have encountered the ups and downs in the cattle market. I loved raising cattle, planting vegetables, and managing the hay crop. However, after the passing of my wife (Rutha), I decided it was time to retire from farming. This venture has afforded me opportunities to meet people and build lasting relationships. Wayne County Self Help Group connected with the Winston County Self Help Cooperative in the late 90s. We built a sustainable and enduring partnership over the years. Collectively, we have hosted meetings, conferences, and other educational events to equip individuals with knowledge. Rutha and I were selected as Farmers of the Year by the Minority Landowner Magazine in 2015. Frank Taylor and WCSHC members have provided my family with a blessed relationship. We want to convey thanks to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Roger Jones, Dan Jones, and Allen McReynolds. Also, I want to thank everyone for supporting my family, the organization, the community, and the church.
