WCSHC’s 15th Business Session: Live from Louisville, MS

The WCSHC (Louisville, MS) organized 1985 under the auspices of MS Association and Federation of Southern Cooperatives.
The co-op received charter status from MS’s Secretary of State Office October 1988. Larry Miller of Beat-Four Cooperative (Macon, MS) and Ben Burkett State Director of Mississippi Association of Cooperatives worked fervently to help establish WCSHC.“We organized (WCSHC) to assist small farmers and landowners to sell and buy in bulk according to founding members Omerio Dotson. Small family farmers were under-seize due to un-favorable financial conditions and USDA’s lack of interest to serve black farmers. We needed an outlet to earn more income from our natural resources and increase sustainability in rural Winston County. Therefore, WCSHC designed a vehicle for small farmers and landowners to work collectively and overcome agriculture’s adversities.” Columbus McReynolds served as president from 1985-1992 and created a formidable team of farmers and landowners. WCSHC’s membership consisted of 12 members from Winston, Choctaw and Oktibbeha Counties and convened on first Thursday at East Central Federal Union Building on Highway 397. WCSHC members received animals through Heifers International to enhance and improve cattle genetics…pigs to start swine operations. Additionally, WCSHC received funds through Self-Development of People (a ministry Of the Presbyterian Church USA) to erect a feed grinding meal. Columbus McReynolds engineered a launching pad for small farmers and landowners in a mist of uncertainties, therefore, WCSHC membership appreciates Columbus’ efforts and time to help save small family farms”. Continue
reading WCSHC’s history @ http://wcshc.com/about-us.html.