Chief Arlen Lancaster attends Winston County Self-Help Cooperative's first ever "Saving Rural America Conference"

NRCS Chief Arlen Lancaster was the Special Guest of the Winston County Self--Help Cooperative's first ever "Saving Rural America Conference."  The Conference was designed to benefit small farmers, landowners and individuals interested in managing the earth's natural resources while at the same time becoming familiar with USDA programs.  According to Frank Taylor, President of the Winston County Self-Help Cooperative, the over 300 that attended the conference more than validates their commitment to provide accurate, credible and timely data to create sustainability in rural communities."

Wilson Murray, NRCS State Outreach Coordinator

The Winston County Self-Help Cooperative's "Saving Rural America Conference" was one of the strongest outreach efforts to small farmers that I've been involved with.  A varied partnership included: the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Office of Outreach, the City of Louisville, Farm Bureau, Southern Echo, Mississippi State University School of Veterinary Medicine and Extension Program, Heifer International, Mississippi Association of Cooperatives, the Federation of Southern Cooperatives, Farm Service Agency, Alcorn State University and others.

        NRCS Chief Arlen Lancaster

Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief, Arlen Lancaster, was the luncheon speaker and shared valuable information on the current farm bill and its potential impact on rural America.  According to Chief Lancaster, this farm bill contains more provisions for small farmers and landowners than ever before.

Chief Lancaster also shared information on the importance and  use of census data.  He encouraged participants to complete the 2007 Census.

Dr. Homer L. Wilkes, NRCS State Conservationist

Dr. Wilkes encouraged participation in the Small Farmer Initiative: "This Initiative seeks to help small farmers with 100 acres or less.  These acres can be any combination of cropland and/or grassland.  We want to make certain that the practices you select under this initiative are the ones best suited for your particular operation while at the same time low enough in cost to be effective and practical."

Walter Jackson, NRCS State Grazing Land Specialist

Jackson discusses the fundamentals of prescribed grazing and demonstrated how to maximize use of winter annuals on small and limited resource farms.  He made the group aware of farm bill programs designed to provide financial assistance for limited resource farmers, small farmers and beginning farmers.

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 Event Photos (PDF;257KB)

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