While the NCC planting intention results were grim like the rest of the issues facing the U.S. cotton industry, NCC Chair Joe Nicosia illustrated the resolve of cotton people with a powerful conclusion of the general session on the last day of the meeting: “We may be seven segments, but we are one industry. As disciples of this amazing fiber, we are called to build a following of loyal believers that will make cotton great again.”
The resilience of this industry was illustrated in some uplifting ways this week as Plains Cotton Growers traveled to Dallas to represent the Texas High Plains at the biggest industry event of the year. For every challenge, there was an uplifting focal point that provides hope that U.S. cotton will overcome its current circumstances.
When Cotton Council International Executive Director Bruce Atherley discussed U.S. cotton competitiveness, he stated the mission of CCI is to:
• Focus on what Brazil cannot do rather than what they are doing • CCI’s Mill Performance Index is a powerful evaluation tool that enhances mill success in using our nation’s fiber. This product is patented and cannot be copied by Brazil.
• Innovate or die
• “Rather than trying to figure out how to solve the maze, we should simply jump out of it,” Atherley said. “That’s what it’s going to take to get back on top, which is why we’re offering technology, education and outreach experiences that enhance the perception of U.S. cotton.”
When House Ag Committee Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson (RPA) addressed the Farm Program and Economic Policy Committee, he reiterated his dedication to American farmers.
• The dynamics of Rep. Thompson and his committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-MN) are collaborative and productive.
• Rep. Thompson’s relationship with Sen. John Boozman (R-AR) — chair of the Senate Ag Committee — is strong and they are aligned on farm policy for farmers. Both are motivated to provide legislation that will make production agriculture profitable and competitive.
• Sen. Boozman’s Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) is willing to work across the aisle to produce strong farm policy and understands the urgency of providing an adequate safety net for producers.
The NCC Committee for theAdvancement for Cotton (CAC PAC) raised a record amount of money, which Nicosia acknowledged was incredible considering the past three production years.
• The CAC raised $662,000 in 2024 and $118,000 this January alone, while the Night of Cotton event held during the meeting raised $173,465.
• The CAC recognized the efforts of Plains Cotton Growers’ own political action committee, PCG PAC, for their help in fundraising to secure cotton’s position with Congress as we work toward updated farm policy in 2025.
• Johnie Reed, producer in Swisher County and PCG board member, was named the vice chair of the CAC.
• The importance of these dollars for cotton policy advancement cannot be overstated. This is what will help us secure policy that puts farming back in the farm bill.
• If you’re a member of PCG, please consider donating to our PAC as we begin the uphill process of a new farm bill for the third time.
We came together multiple times to pray for a productive and robust year for the U.S. cotton industry over this weekend, and that we would weather the storm (or lack of one) in 2025 to survive another year.