The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service today paid tribute to one of its staunchest industry supporters.

Texas Cotton Producers Inc. was presented with the Extension Partnership Award during its April 9 board of directors meeting and “Cotton Day at the Capitol” event in Austin.

“We confer the award in tribute to this organization’s long-time engagement with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service,” said Dr. Doug Steele, AgriLife Extension director at College Station. “The support of the board members and their predecessors has significantly enhanced the outreach and impact of our educational programs, as well as the recognition of AgriLife Extension educators.”

Texas Cotton Producers Inc., headquartered in Austin, consists of nine certified cotton producer organizations that represent Texas growers on the state and national levels.

The organization has worked on a number of endeavors in concert with AgriLife Extension, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and others to promote the interests of Texas cotton growers. These efforts included formation of the statewide integrated pest management program, Texas Pest Management Association, Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Program and Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation.

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In addition, Cotton Incorporated’s Texas state support committee relies on Texas Cotton Producers to oversee an average $1.25 million annually for research and education projects, including funds that support the efforts of AgriLife Extension specialists, county agents and integrated pest management agents, as well as AgriLife Extension’s Premier Cotton Educator Program, Master Marketer Program, and Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership program.

Young people across the state, likewise, benefit through support from Texas Cotton Producers, Inc. for 4-H projects, career days and college scholarships to Texas A&M and Texas Tech universities.

“Texas Cotton Producers Inc. has demonstrated an enduring commitment to Extension education, as well as the teaching and research of Texas A&M AgriLife,” Steele said. “We deeply appreciate their support.”

Board chairman Doyle Schniers of San Angelo accepted the award. The nine member organizations are: Blackland Cotton and Grain Producers Association, Cotton and Grain Producers of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, El Paso Valley Cotton Association, Plains Cotton Growers, Rolling Plains Cotton Growers, St. Lawrence Cotton Growers Association, South Texas Cotton and Grain Association, Southern Rolling Plains Cotton Growers Association and the Trans-Pecos Cotton Association.

Since 1999, the AgriLife Extension Partnership Award has recognized vital alliances with agencies, organizations and others outside the Texas A&M University System whose support and collaboration has significantly enhanced the outreach and impact of Extension education for the people of Texas.

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