On February 8, 2025, the Winston County Self-Help Cooperative (WCSHC) partnered with Upward Bound to host its annual Save Rural America Conference at Calhoun City High School in Calhoun City, MS. This event focused on fostering knowledge in sustainability and innovation, equipping high school students with hands-on agricultural skills. Participants engaged in activities such as planting and transplanting seeds, preparing homemade corn salsa, and exploring the role of drone technology in modern farming.
Ms. Pamala O’Bryant guided students through planting tomato and lemon seeds, explaining the importance of transplanting them into the ground once they reached the right size. To encourage practical application, she provided each student with lemon tree seeds to take home, empowering them to nurture and grow their own trees.
Mayla Odom led a session on using homegrown produce to make corn salsa. She demonstrated how to combine fresh corn, red onions, lime, cilantro, and jalapeño—ingredients that can all be grown in a backyard garden. This hands-on lesson emphasized the benefits of sustainability and the value of sharing these practices within their communities.
Jonathan Evans introduced students to the growing role of technology in agriculture. He provided hands-on drone training, teaching students how to use drones for tasks such as conducting aerial land surveys and monitoring the health of crops and livestock.
Engaging in these interactive lessons gave students valuable skills that contribute to a more sustainable and efficient rural America.
View photos here.
