"You don't want to get too far out over your skis," said John Lindamood, about using cutting edge farming technology. He uses the latest technology to stay on top of most aspects of his operation but noted that it just doesn't pay to invest in technology that won't stick around.

Lindamood has been awarded 2022 the High Cotton Award for the Midsouth region. 

He farms 4,800 acres of cotton, wheat, corn and soybeans outside of Tiptonville, Tenn., in Lake County.

Sustainability is a big part of the operation that includes little tillage and maintains yields that have averaged about 1,250 pounds of cotton for the last six years.

"I've always said that sustainability is like a three-legged stool," he said. "You've got to have all three legs or it just doesn't function."

He notes that it must be environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.

"They all complement each other," he said.  "The product, the processes and procedures that we use that are economically viable on our farm are also environmentally sound, looking after our employees' health and safety. Our impact on the community has environmental and economic benefits to us."