Larry Ford has been farming for 50 years, which is no small accomplishment considering all the trials and tribulations that have occurred in agriculture over those five decades.

It might be easy for Ford to assume that he got where he is today on the strength of his own talents and initiative. But the winner of the 2020 Cotton Foundation High Cotton Award for the Southeast says that is not the case.

“You know you never do anything alone,” said Ford, in accepting the award from Southeast Farm Press Editor Brad Haire. “There is always a back force of other people contributing to the health of an operation. This morning I just want to give thanks to my wife, Ann, who is with me this morning, and for my family.”

But, first, Ford said he wanted to thank “my Lord for my salvation and my faith in God to have been chosen for such an honor and to have made it possible.”

All three of Ford’s daughters, Lisa Shiflett, Donna Rogers and Allison Stoutamier, attended the breakfast along with his granddaughter, Madelyn, “who is very active in FFA (Future Farmers of America.)”

He also recognized Ken Barton, executive director of the Florida Peanut Producers Association, and his wife, Rhonda, and Michael Davis, a board member of the Florida Peanut Producers, and his family for attending the breakfast. Barton nominated Ford for the Southeast High Cotton Award.

Wes Briggs, “my crop consultant who has scouted my cotton for 20 years," was unable to attend the breakfast but was also thanked for his contributions to the operation.