The Texas cotton industry convened at the state Capitol for Cotton Day on March 7, 2023, to educate Senate and House members and staff on the importance of Texas’ No. 1 cash commodity crop.
Plains Cotton Growers representatives who attended the proceedings were PCG Chairman Brent Nelson, PCG President Martin Stoerner, PCG Board Member Todd Straley and PCG CEO Kody Bessent. Many Texas cotton industry segments, groups and councils were in attendance, handing out cotton towels to members and staffers with information pertaining to the industry.
In addition, the PCG team met with members to emphasize the need for cotton infrastructure assistance for the 2022 crop year; cotton, wool and mohair research funding; and maintaining funding for the Boll Weevil Eradication Program.
“Back in 2011 when we thought the drought was so bad, my gin produced 47,000 bales,” Todd Straley told Rep. John Smithee (R-District 86). “This last year, we ginned 16,000.”
Sen. Charles Perry (R-District 28) introduced Senate Resolution 268 on the Senate floor, recognizing the great cotton industry in the state of Texas.
“Agriculture is the spirit of West Texas and the spirit of this nation…we want to recognize this industry for what it does for Texas and recognize this day as Cotton Day.”
