30th High Cotton Class: Brad Haire, Farm Progress senior content editor; Mid-South- Edward Greer, Rayville, La.; Southwest- Richard Gaona, Roby, Texas; Southeast- Andy Wendland, Autaugaville, Ala.; West- Jerry Rovey, Buckeye, Ariz.; and Greg Frey, Farm Progress senior vice president, operations.Shelley E. Huguley
Farm Press and The Cotton Foundation celebrated the 30th Class of High Cotton winners with a packed room at the Mid-South Farm and Gin Show in Memphis, Tenn.
The four High Cotton honorees were recognized at the annual High Cotton Breakfast for producing high-yielding, quality cotton using sustainable practices. They were also commended for their industry involvement and advocacy.
The 2024 winners are as follows:
Southeast — Andy Wendland, Autaugaville, Ala.
Midsouth — Edward Greer, Rayville, La.
Southwest — Richard Gaona, Roby, Texas
West — Jerry Rovey, Buckeye, Ariz.
Each honoree was given an opportunity to say a few words. Here’s a glimpse at what they had to say following their presentation.
A word of thanks
Andy Wendland, Autaugaville, Ala.
“This award was absolutely a surprise,” Wendland told the crowd. “I am honored to be considered and appreciate the recognition. I imagine, like most farmers here, you don't expect that. You don't like to be out front. I don't. I'm kind of behind-the-scenes guy and so this is a little out of my wheelhouse, but I'm certainly grateful for it.
“As farmers, we’re doing what we think we need to do to take care of the land, take care of the farm. We don’t really think what we do is unique or makes us stand out. But it’s just doing what we feel like we need to do to take best care of our land and our place for future generations.”
Edward Greer, Rayville, La.
“It was an emotional moment when Brent told me I got it and asked me would I accept the award. I don't remember every detail of everything I said, but my first thought was me and my father, growing up in a cotton family on a cotton farm,” Greer said. “My dad and mom would be so proud.”
“I want to thank Farm Press, The Cotton Board, every sponsor and my family. It takes all of us to make it work,” he told the crowd. “And I have a support crew of friends. I've got a consultant here [at the breakfast] that works with us very faithfully. I've got a banker that believes in us and my ginner is here, too. He was recognized as Ginner of the Year last night.
“I’ve got a family, my friends, and my support crew. This means a lot.”
Richard Gaona, Roby, Texas
“When Shelley told me I had won the award, I didn’t even know I had been nominated,” Gaona said. “It’s a great award.
“The first thing I want to do is thank the sponsors for contributing to make this award more possible. Without them, we wouldn't be able to have this.
“I am humbled and honored to be here with this group of producers for across the U.S. Cotton Belt. I want to thank my parents for their work ethic, especially my dad, who instilled in me to take care of this land that our Lord above provided for us to farm. And to leave it in better shape than when we received it and to be receptive to new farming practices and opportunities.”
Jerry Rovey, Buckeye, Ariz.