One great way to measure the success of the top achievers in any field is  to turn to the peers of those  who have  reached the pinnacle and learn what they have  to say about these all-star performers.  This  is true for top athletes, scientists and businessmen, and it is true for top cotton farmers as well.

Since 1995, Farm Press has honored top cotton producers from each major cotton growing region with the prestigious High Cotton award. For 27 years now, these  efficient and productive cotton farmers were nominated by their peers for being the best of the best.

Without doubt, the  2021 winner for the Southeast, Jerry Lee Hamill of Enfield, N.C.,  exemplifies everything the High Cotton award recognizes. Hamill received nomination letters from his colleagues across North Carolina and the Cotton Belt who praised him for success in producing top quality cotton for more than 52 years now.

David Ruppenicker, CEO of Southern Cotton Growers, summarized it well when he noted in his nomination letter that Jerry Hamill “epitomizes every virtue for which this prestigious award was founded upon.” Fellow cotton farmers, other cotton industry leaders and Hamill’s crop consultant, Mary Wilks, all credited Hamill for his willingness to turn to the latest technology  and good conservation practices  in his quest to produce high quality, top yielding cotton.

Hamill is known as a perfectionist and for his tenacious ability to never give up. “I want everything right. I want it as near perfect as we can do it. I don’t like anything halfway done. If you’re going to take the time, the initiative and the funds to do anything then let’s do it correct and to the best of your ability,” Hamill says.

On a beautiful sunny day on Nov. 10, Jerry Hamill took time during  his cotton harvest that was running on all cylinders to share his story and his keys to success with Farm Press.