The Winston County Self-Help Cooperative hosted an outreach workshop for Alcorn State University on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the campus in Louisville, MS. This informational workshop focused on managing your natural resources. Dr. Carolyn L. Banks, Food Specialist, and Farm Outreach Project Director expedited the workshop with smoothness.
Dr. Banks opened the workshop with a welcome as she transition to introduction of the speakers. Royal McGee, NRCS, District Conservationist for Winston County, command the floor and unpacked his agency portfolio of services. Royal discussed the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). EQIP provides technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers and forest landowners to address natural resource concerns where as CSP helps producers build on existing conservation efforts while strengthening their overall operations.
Hillary Whittington, County Executive Director, Farm Service Agency, Winston County office highlighted various programs available to farmers. Hillary presentation included information on disaster assistance and farm loan programs designed to support agricultural producers in times of need and growth.
Velma Oliver, (ASU) Assistant Director of the Mississippi Small Farm and Agribusiness Center, presented on financial and production records. She highlighted the importance of simple recordkeeping systems for small businesses. She emphasized record keep is the key to achieving long-term success in farming and life.
Dr. Banks shared valuable information about the farm food safety programs and emphasized food safety practices support conservation efforts. She concluded by showering WCSHC for hosting and partnering with ASU. The attendees said the workshop was empowering and provided a wealth of useful information. The session ended with the blessing of the food prepared by Big Boys, Sharonne Cooper, and Octavious Cobb.
