The Winston County Self Help Cooperative continues to thrive by providing farmers, landowners, and others with technical assistance to help create sustainability in rural communities. The National Agricultural Statistic Service’s 2022 Farm Census indicated that the farm population is moving downward due to the cost of land and equipment. The 2022 census highlighted that the average age of an American farmer is above 60 years old. Additionally, more families are abandoning rural communities and moving closer to urban centers. “These factors impact our daily work,” according to Frank Taylor, WCSHC Team Leader.
However, there is hope on the horizon. Lorine Gladney-Moore, a member of WCSHC, eclipsed a milestone with the birth of her first great-great-granddaughter. This birth is a historic moment for Lorine and WCSHC. Now, WCSHC has a lifeline of five generations involved with the Co-op. This new arrival should extend WCSHC’s existence into the next century. Congratulations to Lorine, Shirley, Denisha, Amaria, and Kulture (the Fab Five).

