Table of Contents

Vol. 36, No. 3 | Winter 2003-04

Ginning Records Fall in 2003 Long before the 2003 cotton crop was planted in the Coastal Bend of Texas, industry observers knew there was potential for an excellent turnout. Despite obstacles ranging from delayed planting to late-season downpours to an extended harvest and ginning season, many gins in the region set new records for the… Read more »

USDA’s December supply/demand report did little to impress the cotton market as the end of the 2003-crop harvest neared. According to one analyst, industry observers normally take USDA’s December supply/demand report “with a grain of salt” because it often differs considerably from the final report for the year. In fact, the department’s December projection typically… Read more »

A new trend in denim apparel has emerged, and PCCA’s Textile Division is poised to seize the opportunity it presents. Based on initial reactions from customers, stretch denim products could add important earnings to the division’s financial statement. Stretch denim apparel is not new to the marketplace, but in the past two years demand in… Read more »

A family tradition of cooperative leadership took another step forward when PCCA members attending the cooperative’s 50th Annual Stockholders Meeting on September 17 elected Lexie Fennell to represent District 3 on the board of directors. He replaces the late Larry Lockwood. Fennell, 42, has farmed for 24 years and currently is serving his first year… Read more »

Part of Massive Container Terminal Project The cotton industry in South Texas entered a new era on September 16, 2003, when ground was broken for Gulf Compress’ newest facility near Corpus Christi. Bob Weatherford, the compress’ general manager, cannot hide his excitement. “This is a huge leap for the cotton producers in our area, and… Read more »

Honoring Farms and Ranches in Operation More Than 100 Years Agriculture is not a simple way of life; it takes courage, imagination and strength to persevere through difficult years. But success in agriculture is uniquely rewarding. Generations of farmers and ranchers have baled, built, branded, fed, hoped and worked their way toward a goal-and they did… Read more »

Gin Plant Modernized to Boost Capacity United Cotton Growers (UCG) Cooperative near Levelland, Texas, recently completed an extensive renovation to its facility that is expected to boost ginning capacity to 60 bales per hour. UCG is a grower-owned cooperative comprised of 592 stockholders, and it has expanded in recent years due to several mergers, purchases… Read more »

A tour of the American Cotton Growers (ACG) denim mill in Littlefield now can be viewed from the comfort of your home, school or office. Cornerstone Education Group, Inc., has produced a 13 minute educational video that goes through each manufacturing step from fiber to denim fabric. Cornerstone was started five years ago by Monica… Read more »

Provides Members with Online Access to Accounts Plains Cotton Cooperative Association (PCCA) continues to deliver innovative and beneficial technology to its members by announcing a groundbreaking new program. The creation of a Member Access service accessible through PCCA’s web site is the direct result of PCCA’s commitment to member service and the increasing use of… Read more »

U.S. Congressman Randy Neugebauer invited House Agriculture Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte to West Texas to tour agricultural facilities and meet with farmers in the region in late October. One stop on their agenda was Ropes Coop Gin, and Manager Sammy Means believes the coop was chosen becausethe representatives wanted to visit with farmers. “Nearly 40… Read more »