The High Cotton Award stands as a beacon of recognition within the U.S. cotton industry, spotlighting farmers who excel in sustainable cotton production while maintaining impressive yields and profitability. Presented annually by Farm Press and the Cotton Foundation, this esteemed award honors growers across four major cotton-producing regions: Southeast, Southwest, Delta, and West. Below, we celebrate the High Cotton Award winners from 2022 to 2024, showcasing their remarkable contributions to sustainable agriculture.
2024 High Cotton Award Winners
In 2024, four farmers were celebrated for their innovative approaches to sustainable cotton farming:
- Andy Wendland (Southeast, Alabama): Andy champions sustainability through cover cropping and precision soil management. His farm participates in the U.S. Trust Protocol and Climate Smart Cotton Program, setting a model for eco-friendly practices.
- Richard Gaona (Southwest, Texas): Facing drought challenges, Richard adopts skip-row planting to conserve water, proving that sustainability can thrive even in tough conditions.
- Edward Greer (Delta, Louisiana): Managing an 8,500-acre operation, Edward enhances water efficiency with poly pipe irrigation upgrades, merging tradition with modern technology.
- Jerry Rovey (West, Arizona): Jerry excels in desert farming, using variety testing and Bt cotton for pest control to demonstrate innovation in arid environments.
2023 High Cotton Award Winners
The 2023 recipients showcased ingenuity and dedication to sustainable cotton production:
- Rusty Darby (Southeast): Rusty prioritizes soil health with crop rotation and minimal tillage, ensuring his farm’s sustainability for years to come.
- Kody Beavers (Delta): On his 3,000-acre farm, Kody blends technology with teamwork, emphasizing community collaboration and the craft of cotton growing.
- Williams Family Farms (Southwest): Led by Mark, Ryan, Russell, and Reagan Williams, this family operation shines through careful variety selection and strong partnerships.
- Aaron Barcellos (West): Aaron boosts productivity with cover crops and advanced equipment, enhancing soil health and farm resilience.
2022 High Cotton Award Winners
The 2022 winners laid a strong foundation for sustainable cotton farming:
- Lee Cromley (Southeast, Georgia): Lee’s use of precision agriculture and conservation techniques has made him a leader in the Southeast.
- John Lindamood (Mid-South, Tennessee): Representing the Delta region, John’s creative crop management and sustainable practices earned him well-deserved recognition.
- Randall Bankhead (Southwest, Texas): Randall excels with water-saving methods and community leadership, strengthening cotton farming in the Southwest.
- Dan Thelander (West, Arizona): Dan’s mastery of desert farming and resource management highlights the potential of sustainable practices in challenging climates.
Conclusion: Pioneering a Sustainable Future
The High Cotton Award winners of 2024, 2023, and 2022 represent the best of American agriculture. Through their groundbreaking use of technology, commitment to environmental stewardship, and collaborative spirit, these farmers produce exceptional cotton while addressing pressing challenges like climate change and resource conservation. Their efforts not only elevate the cotton industry but also inspire a brighter, more sustainable future for agriculture. Let’s celebrate their achievements and look forward to the innovations they’ll continue to bring to the field.
