The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations for candidates to serve on The Cotton Board. A large class of nominees is needed to fill 17 member and 17 alternate positions for vacancies representing cotton farmers from Texas, as well as Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
“Serving on the Cotton Board gives growers an opportunity to represent their respective state in a leadership position and be a voice that provides valuable insight to help shape the activities of the Cotton Research and Promotion Program,” says Aaron Barcellos, California cotton farmer and current chairman of The Cotton Board. “As stakeholders in the program, cotton producers are encouraged to bring their ideas, energy and love for the cotton industry to The Cotton Board.”
Certified Producer Organizations (CPOs) and Certified Importer Organizations (CIOs) will caucus to nominate two qualified persons for their respective states for each member and alternate member position that is open for 2017. From those nominations, the Secretary of Agriculture makes the final selection of members and alternates.
“This is our industry and our program. It is up to us, as cotton producers, to serve as leaders and bring our ideas to the table. I have never served with a group that is more innovative or more committed to helping cotton than the members of The Cotton Board. I have learned from them, and I hope they have learned from me. We have a lot more to accomplish. I have faith in this industry and the Cotton Research and Promotion Program. I encourage the next generation of leaders to get active in their local certified organizations and help lead our future,” George LaCour, secretary of The Cotton Board and a Louisiana producer, said.
Nominating CPOs in Texas for this caucus season include: Blackland Cotton & Grain Producers Association, Cotton & Grain Producers of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, El Paso Valley Cotton Association, Farmers Cooperative Compress, Fort Bend County Cotton & Grain Association, Gulf Compress, Plains Cotton Cooperative Association, PYCO Industries, Inc., Plains Cotton Growers, Inc., Rolling Plains Cotton Growers, Inc., Southern Rolling Plains Cotton Growers Association, Inc., South Texas Cotton & Grain Association, Inc., Texas Cotton Growers Cooperative Association, Inc., Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council, Trans Pecos Cotton Association, St. Lawrence Cotton Growers Association and Valley Co-op Oil Mill.
Love this picture of cotton. My daddy Frank T. Ruffino was a cotton farmer in Fort Bend County. Grew up loving the time when he would bring out the big cotton picker. Remembering when we had trucks come in with pickers. That was beautiful cotton, so white and fluffy. Great memories!!