The Southern Cotton Ginners Association’s Awards Banquet held during the Mid-South Farm & Gin Show is all about honoring the cotton industry. Three awards presented this year include the Cotton Ginner of the Year, the A.L. Vandergriff Pioneer Award and the SCGA Memorial Scholarship.
The Cotton Ginner of the Year award, which began is 1990, is based on three criteria. First is service to his or her customers, including quality of ginning, ethical business standards and other constructive activity. Next is service to all branches of the cotton industry through support and leadership of activities and programs. The third consideration weighs community outreach, as well as civic and philanthropic factors.
“George LaCour, Tri-Parish Gin, Lettsworth, La., represents of all of these criteria,” says SCGA Executive Vice President Tim Price. “He is committed to cotton, has an excellent relationship with his customers and knows the value of having a local gin.”
The A.L. Vandergriff Pioneer Award is given to a person who has developed an idea, an invention, a technique or a program that pioneering in nature. Woods E. Eastland, Staplcotn, Greenwood, Miss., who was instrumental in developing the seasonal pool and pool call marketing concept, is the recipient of this year’s award.
“Woods always puts the farmer first,” Price says. “His contribution to the industry helps cotton remain a viable part of today’s farmers’ operations.”
The 2016 SCGA Memorial Scholarship was awarded to the University of Arkansas in honor of Richard (Dick) Bransford, Lonoke, Ark.
“The University of Arkansas will award this scholarship to a deserving student who honors our industry,” Price says. “Dick loved his alma mater and has a tremendous legacy of honesty, integrity and service.”