By Britton Barrett
Idalou Gin Manager Keith Grayson stopped to gather denim bags donated by American Cotton Growers which contained cotton -related items. The bags were delivered during visits to Texas legislators’ offices.
Every two years, Texas cotton representatives travel to Austin, Texas, to participate in Cotton Day at the Capitol. People come into contact with cotton or cotton products on a daily basis, and Cotton Day at the Capitol celebrates all the uses of cotton while informing state leaders about its impact on the Texas economy.
The most recent event took place on April 19, 2011, and was sponsored by Texas Cotton Producers, a statewide organization comprised of nine regional organizations actively representing cotton growers. Attendees included cotton producers, ginners, and allied industry representatives from across the Lone Star State.
L to R: Clay Grebe – Triangle Insurance, Sam Simmons – Lyford Gin, and Gerald Miligan – Lyford Gin Manager.
The time spent with state legislators is a prime opportunity to share with them the importance of the cotton industry in the Texas economy as well as to serve as an educational opportunity to inform our state leaders of all the uses of cotton. Gerald Milligan, Lyford Coop Gin Manager, says it is important to keep the communication lines open with the state legislators and most of all to thank them for their support of the agriculture industry.
L to R: Jon Whatley – Smith Gin, Cris Gwin – PCCA, District 34 State Representative Connie Scott, Cameron Charles – PCCA, and Marvin Beyer – Smith Gin.
“Since I have been a part of the Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council (TACC), I have realized the importance of communicating our needs face-to-face with our state legislators,” said Milligan. “They care what we have to say, but sometimes they need to be educated about the importance of the cotton business and what it means to producers in their districts. Cotton Day at the Capitol is a great way to share that message,” he explained.
