Years of working and planning paid off as Henry and Margaret Booth hosted an educational field day for farmers and others Monday, Oct. 29 at Booth Farms in Lawrence.
The field day drew more than 70 attendees from as far away as Atlanta, who were excited for the opportunity to talk with representatives from USDA, Mississippi State University Extension Office, and other agencies about services available to local farmers.
Andy Gipson, Mississippi’s commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce, also attended to speak about services to benefit small farmers in Mississippi and small farms’ role in creating a healthier state.
After the presentations and question-and-answer sessions were completed, activities shifted to a tour of Booth Farms. Participants loaded onto two trailers for a visual tour of grazing, timber and wildlife practices
One of the participants, Bennie Edwards of Louisville, agreed that the field day activities amplified Mr. Booth’s commitment to getting it done.
“This field day helped me visualize some changes I need to make in my cattle operation,” he said.
Bobby Joe Spivey of the Scott County Small Farmers and Landowner Organization said he planned to implement some of the things he saw during the tour into his own farming efforts.
The field day wrapped up with a meal prepared by Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Harris and Ms. Toretha Norman.
About the Booths
Mr. Booth grew up in rural Holmes County, where he developed a love for basketball early on, earning basketball scholarships to Holmes Community College and Mississippi State University. After graduating from college, Henry started his career in education.
Initially, he worked at his alma mater for several years before acquiring the head basketball coaching job at Durant High School in Durant. There, Booth shared his indomitable work ethic with his players, which led them to win the state championship in 1993.
In 1998 Henry met his wife to be, Margaret, at the Coliseum in Jackson. They married 9 months later. They have one son, Brandon, who is a junior at Newton County High School.
Settling in Newton County became a game changer for Booth. The move allowed Henry to reconnect with his longtime college friend, Lemuel Nichols, whose family’s history of farming goes back more than 100 years. With this relationship and knowledge at hand, Booth developed an interest in cattle farming.
After much consideration, the Booths purchased the farm and started their foray into living in rural America, though much work was needed to get to get the farm back into workable condition.
“This farm needed to be resurrected due to long-term neglect. We started working daily with a mission of establishing a working farm. Our enthusiasm led us to participate in farm-related events and activities to help propel our goals,” Booth said. “Through cumulative exposure, we learned about the United States Department of Agriculture’s role in supporting our local farmers and landowners. We applied for and received assistance through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to help improve our farm operations.”
With the assistance from USDA, Booth Farms was able to develop industries in grazing, timber production and wildlife. Then, in 2014, Booth received the Grasslander Award for growing and sustaining some of the best pasture lands in the state of Mississippi. Additionally, he serves on various local and state committees related to agriculture.
By hosting a field day, the Booths hoped to share some of their experiences and introduce other farmers to some of the programs and agencies that could be of use to them.
The Winston County Self Help Cooperative, a community-based organization, hosted this event. WCSHC would like to convey thanks to the Booth Family for hosting this grand event. For more information visit wcshc.com or call 601-291-2704.
