Plains, Texas cotton producer Ricky Bearden has been unanimously voted in as the Cotton Incorporated Board Chairman for the 2010 through 2012 term.

Bearden succeeds California grower Ted Sheely, who held the post for the prior two years.

Bearden brings more than 30 years of practical experience as a cotton producer to the post. In addition, he has lent his leadership to a range of cotton-related organizations at the local and national level.

Cotton Incorporated President and Chief Executive Officer J. Berrye Worsham said this of Bearden's appointment, "All of us at Cotton Incorporated are delighted to have Ricky on board. His keen understanding of the cotton industry will be an asset during his term as Cotton Incorporated Board Chairman."

Ricky Bearden is a native of Plains, Texas where he grows cotton, wheat, milo, peanuts and black-eyed peas on his 6,000-acre farm. He has served as a director on the boards of the National Cotton Council, Cotton Incorporated, and the American Cotton Producers, and was also president of the Plains Cotton Growers, Inc. from 2004 to 2006.

Cotton Incorporated, funded by U.S. growers of upland cotton and importers of cotton and cotton textile products, is the research and marketing company representing upland cotton. The program is designed and operated to improve the demand for and profitability of cotton.