Author: Ann Kelly
Members of the Winston County Self-Help Cooperative (WCSHC) attended the 2025 Southern Region Small Farms Outreach Conference, held in Mobile, Alabama, from December 3 to 5, 2025. The event brought together small farmers and agricultural professionals to discuss challenges, share resources, and explore strategies for success. Dr. Elois Speight, Director of the National Research Center at Alcorn State University, was the featured speaker for the opening session. Dr. Speight addressed a variety of issues facing small farmers, including limited resources and insufficient support. Her remarks highlighted the ongoing obstacles these farmers encounter and set the tone for the rest of the conference.
The general session focused on dispelling myths related to organic production. One major misconception discussed was that organic produce always commands a higher price. The session also noted that Mississippi ranks among the top 5 states in terms of consumer purchases of organic products. During the lunch session, Dr. Ron Rainey delivered a keynote address centered on risk management for small farmers. He provided extensive information and practical approaches to help farmers navigate and mitigate risks in their operations.
Friday morning began with an inspiring speech from Dr. Connie Baptiste, a life coach. Dr. Baptiste tackled the topic of stress, offering guidance on how small farmers and entrepreneurs can effectively manage stressful situations. The conference concluded with a powerful keynote speech from Mr. Frank Taylor, our president of the Winston County Self-Help Cooperative (WCSHC). Mr. Taylor emphasized the importance of community and illustrated his points with several examples. He discussed the various programs offered by WCSHC that support the surrounding communities and encouraged attendees to prioritize action over talk.
Attendees participated in several breakout sessions covering a range of topics. These included “Health, Wellness & Finance Strategies to Minimize Stress” and “Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Protecting the Land, Soil & Water.” Listening sessions provided a platform for farmers to share their challenges, discuss successful practices, and identify useful resources. Facilitators were eager to hear directly from the farmers and assured participants that their feedback and concerns would be relayed to the appropriate offices.
Additional activities included a silent scholarship auction and a pop-up farmers’ market. The pop-up market gave attendees the opportunity to purchase fresh, locally grown vegetables, fruits, and herbs, further supporting the local agricultural community.
