Louisiana ginner Randy Ainsworth is the new president of the Southern Cotton Ginners Association. He is manager of the Tanner and Company Gin at Frogmore, La.

He succeeds Henry G. “Tri” Watkins, Rabbit Ridge Gin and Warehouse, Lepanto, Ark., who now will serve as chairman of the board of the organization that includes member associations in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee.

Other SCGA officers for the new year are Vice President David Cochran, Jr., Avon Gin Inc., Avon, Miss.; and Treasurer Sledge Taylor, Como Consolidated Gin Co., Como, Miss. Tim Price, Memphis, is executive vice president and secretary for SCGA and each of the state associations.

Arkansas Cotton Ginners Association officers are President Barry Braden, Cotton Growers Inc., Dell; First Vice President Ritter Arnold, RHM Gin & Warehouse, Marked Tree; and Second Vice President Phillip Privet, GPS Gin Co., Portland.

Louisiana Cotton Ginners Association officers are Acting President Randy Ainsworth, Tanner and Co., Frogmore; First Vice President Tom Callaway, Rayville Gin, Rayville; and Second Vice President Bobby Todd, Farmers Gin & Warehouse, Tallulah.

Mississippi Cotton Ginners Association officers are President Graydon Flowers, Mattson Gin Inc., Lyon; First Vice President David Cochran, Jr., Avon Gin, Avon; and Second Vice President, Russell Mahalitc, Issaquena South Washington Gin, Glen Allan.

Missouri Cotton Ginners Association officers are President Adam Martin, G.M. Lawrence and Co., Sikeston; First Vice President Robert Craig, Dalton Cotton Co., Senath; and Second Vice President Gary Hayes, Caruthersville Gin, Caruthersville.

Tennessee Cotton Ginners Association officers are President Ricky Ayers, Hickory Valley Gin Co., Hickory Valley; First Vice President James Wages, Farmers Gin of Humboldt, Humboldt; and Second Vice President Will Wade, Wade Gin Co., Kenton, Tenn.

The officers were elected at their annual meetings held in conjunction with the Mid-South Farm and Gin Show at Memphis, and will serve until the March 2018 annual meetings.