The fall 2023 cotton harvest was warm and dry. Growers were able to get their crop out of the field in record time, so there was a small window of opportunity to get photos of the harvest.

As I headed down to Richland Parish, La., to interview this year’s High Cotton Award winner from the Delta, Edward Greer, the foliage along the roadside looked almost volatile - it was so dry. I was surprised to see relatively few burns.

At sunset the sky glowed orange as light bounced off of dust particles tossed up during the harvest.

Along the dirt roads that dust piled higher each time a vehicle passed. The clouds it caused hung suspended in the air.

All of that made the photos I took that much more dramatic.

But the real attraction was the crowd of people that collected at the end of the field in the stifling silt to celebrate Edward. About 15 people gathered to talk about the head cotton grower and have their photos taken.

Grandson Luke had his drone take overhead shots of the harvest. Before I arrived, he had taken quite a bit of footage of pickers in the field.

Little feet pounded the dust as their moms tried to keep them halfway dust free. Conversations about events and happenings were taking place all around us as I tried to maintain focus on Edward and get some of the information for the article for the High Cotton issue.

Related:Edward Greer: Delta High Cotton Award winner

At some point someone asked where Edward’s daughter, Toni, was. It got quiet at that end of the cotton field as Edward and his wife, Gail, glanced back and forth at each other and others in the field. Suddenly, the conversation of the adults became hushed and guilt ridden.

No one had told Toni to be out there for photos.

Everyone had a, “What have we done?” look on their face. It seemed to be something that had slipped through the system. Everyone felt bad – well, except for the little ones pulling cotton from the bracts and stomping in the dust.

So, Toni failed to make a showing in the initial photos for the article. It was a great loss.

We got the photos, I got good information and the article is written. To say I was impressed by the family effort and the work that goes into the family enterprise is an understatement.

Each year I am impressed by the winners of this award and their devotion to the crop, but especially to their families. This year ranks near the top.

“This is my kind of support,” Edward said as he looked out over his family at the end of that cotton field outside of Start, La.

Well, except for Toni. Toni, I’m sorry we missed you in the field.

Related:Louisiana cotton producer, Edward Greer, wins High Cotton Award