We’re grateful for every year we get to serve cotton growers by providing products, services, and community. It seems appropriate to commemorate PCCA’s 70th year of business by dedicating this issue of Field & Fiber to the stories that brought us to this time. It’s essential that we take time to remember the contributions and sacrifices made by so many growers, employees, and friends of this cooperative. To do otherwise, we risk taking what we have for granted.

We hope to inspire you as you read about the accomplishments of PCCA and how they changed the trajectory of farmers in the Southwest United States. Quantifying PCCA’s contributions to the U.S. and global cotton industry is impossible. Seemingly everyday actions that rarely get a thought were created by the growers of PCCA.

Human nature sometimes makes us prone to look at the difficulties we face and assume no one has ever faced such circumstances. As you read these stories, it is evident that trying challenges are precisely what leads to some of the most significant breakthroughs.

Lastly, I read these accounts with great pride even though they occurred before my time. It’s an honor to be a part of such an impactful organization. Gratitude is a critical element of successful living. So to those growers, employees, and friends, past and present, that worked hard to call PCCA their own, I offer my congratulations and thanks for jobs well done.

Sincerely,

Kevin Brinkley

President and Chief Executive Officer

P.S.- With a bit of work, imagination, and faith, more stories like these are in the future. Believe it!