Local Student Wins Big at Southern University's 2024 Livestock Show

Jh'Rhianna Dyson
Photo Courtesy: Charity M. Schaffer, Ph.D.

Congratulations to Jh’Rhianna Dyson on winning Grand Champion in the Beef Breeding and Commercial Heifers division at Southern University’s  81^st Annual Livestock and Poultry Show on February 29, 2024. Jh’Rhianna Dyson, daughter of Ms. Konisha Brumfield, and granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ricky and Elaine Brumfield of Kentwood, LA. She is a first-grade student at Spring Creek Elementary school, and this was her very first time as an exhibitor in a livestock show. 

Jh’Rhianna was trained by her grandfather, Mr. Ricky Brumfield, owner and operator of Brumfield’s Mobile Bull and 2024 Southern University Livestock Show Trailblazer honoree. She is excited about her big win and about showing next year. Jh’Rhianna, we are all so proud of you! 

Submitted by: Charity M. Schaffer, Ph.D.

Assistant Area Agent for Youth Development/4-H St. Helena/Tangipahoa

Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center

St. Helena Parish's Legendary Vegetable Farmer's Field Day at Warner Hall's Farm

Warner Hall
Local Farmer, St. Helena Parish

Early this morning, I drove out to St. Helena Parish's Legendary Vegetable Farmer's Field Day to take part in the event. A number of representatives from the SU Agricultural Center, LSU Agricultural Center, USDA, and WCSHC were present at this event. In order to capture some photographs of the garden and nature scenes before the crowd poured in I arrived early. The atmosphere was vibrant, with old friends greeting each other and new friends forming connections. It was truly a great day to be a part of the agriculture community.

The weather that day was slightly overcast, so I was able to take some photographs. Weather-wise, I could not have asked for a better day.  The mild temperatures and overcast skies made for perfect shooting conditions. His farm has a lot of vegetables that I took pictures of. The acres of land are covered with rows of corn, squash, cucumbers, green bell peppers, strawberries, watermelons, and eggplants.

The therapeutic nature of gardening was emphasized by a retired couple I met at the event. They both agreed that tending to their garden was a calming and peaceful activity that had become an integral part of their everyday routine. I can assure you that every word spoken here is correct. When I'm working in my garden it is relaxing and therapeutic for me. 

Members of the Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC) drove 3 1/2 hours from Lexington, Mississippi to attend this educational agricultural event. A group of Winston County Self-Help Cooperative members traveled three and a half hours from Lexington, Mississippi to attend this agricultural educational event. The event was attended by other local farmers who shared and learned. Sharing farming tips is something they never hesitate to do with each other. 

The free agricultural education material I received was much appreciated.  I walked away with a pack of Wildflowers Mixture for Natural Landscaping which is distributed by the USDA. I am interested in learning more about pollinators and how they work. It is estimated that three-fourth of all flowering plants in the world require pollinators in order to reproduce and survive. There is no doubt that animal pollination is necessary for the majority of vegetables, fruits, and seed crops, as well as other plants that are used for fiber, medicine, and fuel production.  Insect pollinators like butterflies, bees, birds, moths, bats, beetles, and ants contribute significantly to the existence of many of the foods we eat on a daily basis. The type of educational agricultural events is important. 

Warner Hall's farm
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Cedrick Womack preserving the history of syrup making in St. Helena Parish

Cedrick Womack
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

I met Cedrick Womack early this year while touring farms in Lexington, Mississippi. As a child, Cedrick worked with cattle and sugarcane. Growing up on the family farm, he learned about agriculture by following his father John Womack. He is the only child born to his parents John and Mary McClendon Womack. As we talked, he expressed his desire to preserve this rich family tradition. He also expressed his concern that it would become a thing of the past if it is not preserved. 

"My father and uncles are getting older," said Cedrick. "I don't want to see this tradition die," he said. His aim is to teach other youth who may express an interest in syrup making how to make it as well. 

As with quilts, basket weaving, woodcarving, and other handcrafted arts, syrup making should be preserved. One way of preserving the syrup-making culture is to pass it on to future generations. The joy of making syrup and spending quality time with family and friends are Cedrick's motivations for making syrup. He knows all to well that it's not for the money.

At forty years old, it is clear that both his father and uncles had a positive influence on him. When he thinks about what his uncles have taught him throughout his life, his eyes glisten with pride. According to Cedrick, each of these men is capable of doing anything. Plumbing, electricians, carpenters, they do it all. 

"When my father was younger, he never sat down and took a break. I see him slowing down a bit now," Cedrick said. Therefore, it is so crucial for me to learn everything i can from each of them. My dad used to take his sugarcane to Mr. James Baker for grinding and making syrup. As Mr. Baker is no longer making syrup, I told my dad we could do it ourselves. 

They began putting things into motion after his father agreed. The shelter was built, and aluminum pans were made. Cedrick and both of his parents began digging the hole and constructing the brick oven. To prevent smoke from escaping on the sides of the pans, they packed the pans with red clay dirt.  On Cedrick off days and after work he made his way to St. Helena to help his family. 

The way he worked with his parents, uncles, and others really impressed me. Next year, he wants an outdoor stove built so they can make homemade biscuits to go with the homemade syrup. This can only be understood by someone from the south. Yes, of course! As anyone who has had this breakfast can tell you, it was delicious 

The History and Legacy of the Muse Family of St. Helena, Louisiana

Left to Right
Allen Muse, Chris Muse, Burnell Muse
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Muse is a surname I grew up hearing family members speak about. The Muse family is large and they are from St. Helena Parish, they said. This past summer I took a bus tour to Lexington, Mississippi to tour farms. Several of the Muse brothers; Chris Muse, Burnell Muse, Burnell Muse and their sister Barbara Muse English were on the bus. They were wearing orange and blue tee shirts with their logo that said "Muse 3 Farm". I wanted to know more about Muse 3 Farm. I visited their website and was deeply impressed with their 120 acres of farmland. 

I had the opportunity to attend one for their farm day events. That was my opportunity to learn more about their farm and family history. My drive to Greensburg, Louisiana, took me to their farm. It caught my attention that the road was named after the Muse family. Upon entering the farm, I was captivated by the picturesque landscape and the goats house with the artwork created by Michelle. The lambs was grazing and sitting by one of the three ponds on the property. 

My eyes were astonished by Eve's gorgeous butterfly garden and the healthy cage-free chickens that roamed around clucking and eating. The artwork that Chris' wife Michelle painted on the mobile chicken coop caught my attention. Burnell's wife Wanda like taking photographs of the beauty sceneries and animals on the farm. It was impressive to see how well the Muse family worked together. It is a collective effort between the Muse brothers, their wives, and members of their families. 

Allen Muse
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

I wanted to know more about their family history. Who are their parents and grandparents? How far back can they trace their family history? This is where the story of family history began for me. Who are these hard working and dedicated people who are holding up the traditions and legacy that was passed down to them by their ancestors? 

Their parents were Columbus Muse and Alice Jackson Muse. The couple married in 1952 in St. Helena, Louisiana. Columbus was born about 1930 in St. Helena, Louisiana. He worked as a farm helper on a farm according to the 1930 United States Federal Census.

Allen often spoke of his grandfather Mittie in interviews. In his memoirs, he talked about the things his grandfather taught him when he was a young man. Land ownership is something his grandfather instilled in them. While all three brothers worked in other professions, they never lost their love of agriculture and working the land. The same lessons are now being taught to their children and grandchildren.

Mitte Muse was born in 1888 and died in 1979. He is buried in Clinton-Pipkin Cemetery. Mittie was
married to Mattie Luberta Williams. Now, I can see why my family talked about how large the Muse family is. Columbus had several sisters and brothers. The Muse family is an example of what can be accomplished when a family stays together and works together. My attention was drawn to the closeness of all the brothers. In his joking manner, Allen told me that four of them slept in one bed as children. His emphasis was that it couldn't get any closer than that.

Columbus and Alice J. Muse
Photo Courtesy: Chris Muse

Muse 3 Farm is located at 1967 Muse Rd, Greensburg, LA.  Muse 3 Farm is your destination for organic animals, vegetables, and manure. Their cattle, lamb, and goats are grass fed and their chickens and turkeys are free range. Their animals graze on over 100 acres of pristine farmland. Muse 3 Farm offers educational tours. Their beautiful scenery is also the perfect locations for those looking for rustic, natural backdrops for photoshoots. Muse 3 Farm is Certified by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry. 

If they were alive today, their parents and grandparents would be gleaming with pride and joy at what their offspring have accomplished. Those valuable lessons their parents and grandparents taught them are still with them. Their heritage as farmers gives them great pride. From as far back as they can recall, their ancestors have farmed. Each of the Muse brothers graduated from Southern University Baton Rouge. Two of them reconnected with their roots after retiring. Although there is a great deal of work each day for them to accomplish, it's not like working because it is something they enjoy doing. 

They have been blessed by the land throughout the decades. Providing them with food and shelter, as well as an income. The Muse 3 Farm gives back to the community by educating the youth about livestock and agriculture. It is imperative to teach children how to feed themselves and understand the importance of purchasing and maintaining land. All three expressed the same sentiment.

Juanita Muse in her butterfly garden
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

A major attraction at Muse 3 Farm is Eve's butterfly garden. Butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other insects are attracted to the colorful flowers and the sweet nectar the flowers provide. The milkweed Juanita planted in her garden attracts monarch butterflies. During the past few years, the populations of migratory monarch butterflies have steadily declined. Monarch larvae rely on milkweed as a host plant. It was beautiful to watch the children run behind the beautiful colorful butterflies. Volunteers were there to educate the children about the importance of butterflies and insects to our ecosystem. More than 80% of the world's flowering plants depend on them for pollination and nutrient cycling. 

I couldn't help by notice not one child or teenager had a cellphone in their hands playing games. I felt like I somehow step back in a beautiful time when I was growing up playing outside. Enjoy the outdoors. To learn more about Muse 3 Farm please visit the link below. 

Link

muse3farm.com