⋅ BY STACEY GORMAN ⋅
THE COTTON BOARD
Late last year, Daniel Radford began his role as The Cotton Board’s new Southeast Regional Communications Manager. Radford’s territory includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.
The Cotton Board’s RCMs work to ensure that stakeholders of the Cotton Research and Promotion Program (the Program) in their respective territories are informed of the activities stemming from the Program as conducted by Cotton Incorporated and administered by The Cotton Board. The RCMs visit producers in the field, speak at industry meetings, participate in trade shows and coordinate producer tours of Cotton Incorporated.
To help Southeast growers get to know their new RCM, I’ve asked Daniel to answer the questions below:
Q:
Tell us about yourself and your work in the cotton industry.
A: I am a native of North Carolina and grew up in the Nahunta community. I have been involved in agriculture from an early age. My extended family operates a feed mill and farming operation as well as the local pork processing facility, known as Nahunta Pork Center. I attended Wayne Community College and North Carolina State University where I received my bachelor’s in agricultural science and returned to pursue my master’s in agricultural and Extension education.
Throughout my time at NC State, I was able to intern with the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation’s agricultural and public policy team as well as work with the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission Agricultural Leadership Development Program. These opportunities allowed me to utilize my experience in production agriculture while learning the importance of agricultural policy and how that impacts our industry daily.
Following graduation, I spent some time working closely with the North Carolina Cotton Producers Association (NCCPA) on several projects and events. Working with NCCPA was beneficial for me to continue learning more about the cotton industry but also allowed me to develop a strong foundation for relationships within the industry. When I am not busy with my role with The Cotton Board, you can find me on the farm or assisting in the day-to-day operations of the feed mill.
Q:
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
A: I am looking forward to traveling across my territory and meeting as many cotton producers and ginners as possible. I have enjoyed the past several months visiting growers, gins and industry leaders. I hope these connections will provide opportunities for me to collaborate with organizations across my territory to continue to improve the Cotton Research and Promotion Program by focusing on issues and priorities that are important for the industry.
Q: What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about The Cotton Research and Promotion Program in your time with The Cotton Board?
A:Prior to joining The Cotton Board, I was familiar with The Cotton Research and Promotion Program, but I had no clue about all the research, marketing and sustainability work being done by Cotton Incorporated. Since I have joined The Cotton Board, I’ve been able to learn more about the research and experimentation that the Cotton Incorporated team performs in the field, the lab and with textile and clothing companies. From testing the strength of cotton fiber and matching trends by using lasers to distress denim, to their collaborations with washing machine and detergent companies that research best practices to maintain the quality and durability of cotton for consumers.
It is truly eye opening to see Cotton Incorporated’s work with clothing and apparel companies. I’d say the most surprising thing for me was realizing that The Cotton Research and Promotion program was not just focused on how to assist producers and market to consumers, but all the “behind-the-scenes” work they are doing with brands and retail companies to educate them about cotton’s quality, durability and functionality.
Q:
What makes you passionate about the cotton industry?
A: The people are what makes me passionate about the cotton industry. The agriculture industry, specifically the cotton industry, is complex but I have found that each person I’ve met has been willing to take time out of their schedule to meet with me or answer my questions. I’m blessed to be able to wake up every day and be surrounded by a group of agriculturalists that are hardworking and dedicated to producing natural fiber. It doesn’t get any better than being able to work with such a dedicated group of individuals who strive to leave their land and the environment in the best condition possible for future generations, all while providing food and clothing to the entire population.
For more information on Daniel and the work of The Cotton Board’s Regional Communication Managers, please visit cottonboard.org/producers.