Owner input through the Board of Directors plays a pivotal role in PCCA, embodying the essence of cooperative governance. The board, comprised of elected representatives from the membership, serves as the voice of cotton growers and producers, channeling their insights, interests, and priorities into the cooperative’s strategic decisions.
PCCA’s Board of Directors represents the entirety of PCCA’s service area, from all across Texas to Oklahoma, Kansas, and New Mexico. These farmers were elected to the board because of their leadership and dedication to serving the greater cotton industry. Get to know the farmers who comprise PCCA’s board in this Q&A.
Dahlen Hancock – Chairman, District 7
4th Generation Farmer | Farming – 43 years
Why is it important to you to serve the cotton industry?
I’d hope at the end of the day that my farming and cotton industry friends would say that I worked hard on everyone’s behalf and made a difference in the industry. PCCA, like all other industry organizations, is stronger when like-minded individuals come together for a common goal and continual improvement.
What is something you want farmers in your district to know about you?
For one, I am a farmer who is hands-on and still very actively engaged in my operation today. I know that PCCA is working for me daily, even in this rapidly changing environment. I get a behind-the-scenes look at what they are doing and they truly do work for us – my fellow neighbors, my friends. I have skin in the game just like they do. I think the main thing I want them to know is I am listening and working with staff to address those needs and concerns affecting the farm.
What is something you want growers to know or understand about PCCA?
As a board, we are here in service to you and we are trying to do what’s best for our fellow growers. PCCA is your cooperative – it is owned by you. There is so much more that PCCA does for growers be- yond cotton marketing. I get an in-depth look at PCCA in my position as chairman, and in my opinion, there is no substitute for all the services this cooperative provides in its entirety.
Lexie Fennell – Vice Chairman, District 3
4th Generation Farmer | Farming – 43 years
Why is it important to you to serve the cotton industry?
All cotton producers need to participate in some level of the industry. Our policymakers in Washington acknowledge these industry organizations as advisors of farm policy. So, collaboratively, producers can and should have input into matters affecting their operations.
What is something you want farmers in your district to know about you?
I work hard to develop policies and procedures at PCCA while managing the risks of those policies and their effects on the grower-owners in my district. Producers should know all the decisions I make while serving as a director of PCCA have their best interest in mind.
What is something you want growers to know or understand about PCCA?
Producers must understand this isn’t “The PCCA” its “YOUR PCCA”! We encourage your involvement in your future!
Clint Abernathy – District 1
4th Generation Farmer | 2nd Generation in family on PCCA’s Board | Farming – 42 years
Why is it important to you to serve the cotton industry?
The cotton industry is comprised of many organizations that promote and improve the profitability of growing cotton. These organizations have served me well over my career, and I am proud to have the opportunity to give back to the cotton industry.
What is something you want farmers in your district to know about you?
I am a huge advocate of the co-op business model. A grower has ownership and a voice in how the co-op is operated, which is a huge advantage you can’t get anywhere else. I will always work hard to preserve the co-op way for the next generation of farmers.
What is something you want growers to know or understand about PCCA?
I want the growers to know that PCCA is prepared to meet the challenges that we currently face
and will continue to work hard to add value to their cotton crops. Dealing with droughts and volatile markets is not an easy task but if we all work together, we will succeed. Since PCCA is a volume-driven co-op, your loyalty will enhance the performance and profitability of your co-op.
Kody Carson – District 2
4th Generation Farmer | Farming – 38 years
Why is it important to you to serve the cotton industry?
We have to stand up for ourselves and let our value be known. So not only do I feel the need to stand up for cotton farmers, but PCCA gives me a platform to stand up for all of West Texas agriculture as well.
What is something you want farmers in your district to know about you?
I was just thinking about the declining aquifer and how everything I have known all of my life has shifted so drastically in the last few years. It’s almost like while I have been farming for most of my life, I’m having to start over and re-learn so many things. While I have been at it a lifetime, I almost feel like a new farmer having to learn how to do things in a different environment with much less water and variable weather extremes.
What is something you want growers to know or understand about PCCA?
There is so much behind-the-scenes work that goes on that most don’t know about. The value it brings to the gins and the support it provides to farmers – it all adds to their bottom lines. Some don’t see the value that PCCA brings on the marketing side, but they need to know that PCCA puts a floor in the market that holds other cotton merchandisers accountable. PCCA helps hold the other top marketers feet to the fire so we get the best value for our cotton.
Dane Sanders – District 4
6th Generation Farmer | Farming – 21 years
Why is it important to you to serve the cotton industry?
I’d love nothing more than to pass along my farming operation and my love for the cotton industry down to my children one day. In order for that to happen, I believe we all have to sacrifice our time and talents to ensure that the cotton industry remains viable for the next generation. That can be accomplished in a number of ways. Making sure our local and regional cooperatives remain competitive and relevant are just a couple ways that can be accomplished. Another important way is through being an advocate for the cotton industry here in the state of Texas, in Washington D.C., and every day by sharing our stories with the consumers of cotton. The risks taken and the decisions made by the generations that came before us made it possible for me to farm. I believe the next generation deserves the same.
What is something you want farmers in your district to know about you?
My belief is that PCCA was founded by men that were “outside of the box” kind of thinkers. They knew deep down that there had to be a better way to market their cotton. I’m the same way. What works for one person or what has worked for years may not be the best way to address the issues our industry and cooperative are facing today. Hard work, coupled with determination, and the ability to see a problem through a different set of lenses can yield huge returns to our grower-owners.
What is something you want growers to know or understand about PCCA?
PCCA was established 70 years ago to help area producers fight back against unfair marketing practices that were taking place at local gins. Over the next 70 years no matter what our industry was facing, PCCA members and staff stepped up to the plate to identify a way to fix the problem. This type of mentality is imbedded in PCCA’s DNA and that still exists today. PCCA is a marketing cooperative but marketing is just one part of what we do. PCCA also offers warehousing, accounting services, information systems, and member services. The support provided to our members and local gins is very valuable and second to none.
Randy Smith – District 5
4th Generation Farmer | Farming – 46 years
Why is it important to you to serve the cotton industry?
Cotton has been and continues to be so important to the economy of this area. It has been rewarding to play a small part in the cotton industry and to see the changes in cotton production, quality of fiber, yield, and marketing and delivery in West Texas. Hopefully, cotton production continues in this area for years into the future.
What is something you want farmers in your district to know about you?
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as a director on the PCCA board. Being able to be a part of and see the commitment of the board, and more importantly, our employees, and the passion with which they serve is refreshing.
What is something you want growers to know or understand about PCCA?
It is extremely important that PCCA survives and maintains a vision to enable growers to benefit from innovative ways for the future of cotton marketing, delivery, and profitable production. Historically PCCA has been at the forefront of innovations in marketing systems, software support for co-op gins, and as a representative, domestically and globally, of the cotton industry. That value to our growers and the cotton industry must be sustained.
Dean Vardeman – District 6
5th Generation Farmer | Farming – 51 years
Why is it important to you to serve the cotton industry?
Because it is important to give back to the industry that we love, that has provided a living for generations of my family and that will continue to be part of my kid’s livelihood for many more.
What is something you want farmers in your district to know about you?
I love agriculture, the cotton industry, and I cannot imagine doing anything else for a living. My hope for PCCA is that we will be innovative, provide better marketing opportunities, and continue to serve gins and producers with relevant marketing options.
What is something you want growers to know or understand about PCCA?
PCCA was created by our predecessors who saw the need for a better market for West Texas cotton, the evolution over the years has proven that PCCA has been successful in expanding market opportu- nities for our cotton. I hope that people do not underestimate what PCCA does to provide a stronger marketplace and better service system for gins and customers. No other company provides the ser- vices and support for its members. PCCA’s presence and efforts strengthen the entire cotton market for West Texas producers.
Steve Moore – District 8
2nd Generation Farmer | Farming – 42 years
Why is it important to you to serve the cotton industry?
It’s important to me to serve the cotton industry because cotton is my livelihood. It is a way for me to stay attuned to the industry from the farm to Washington. It is my desire to make decisions that are not only good for PCCA but for the grower-owners on the farm.
What is something you want farmers in your district to know about you?
I hope that the future of PCCA is bright, but the only way for it to be is to stay relevant, changing with the changing times.
What is something you want growers to know or understand about PCCA?
One thing that I would like the grower-owners to know and understand about PCCA is that it is much more than a marketing co-op. It is a service co-op as much as a marketing co-op. PCCA pro- vides numerous services to local gins and owners that makes their jobs much easier and hopefully more profitable.
Billy Eggemeyer – District 9
3rd Generation Farmer | Farming – 48 years
Why is it important to you to serve the cotton industry?
It is important because this is my life. I grew up on a farm and it is the only life I know. I would love to see my sons and grandsons continue this family tradition. There are so many changes happening now and I enjoy staying abreast of the industry.
What is something you want farmers in your district to know about you?
I was an innovator in the industry in my younger years. I put in my first drip system in 1987. I am an old farmer now and I will bend over backward to help any young or new farmer I can: advice, equipment, time, anything.
What is something you want growers to know or understand about PCCA?
Grower-owners need to understand that without PCCA, our gins and producers would be under some hardship. Without gin bookkeeping, gin store bookkeeping, writing checks, bale recaps, and so much more, it would be harder on everyone. PCCA is owned by its growers so we can’t abandon it!
Frank DeStefano – District 10
3rd Generation Farmer | Farming – 40 years
Why is it important to you to serve the cotton industry?
My grandfather and father have grown cotton since the mid-1950s and we hope to continue growing cotton well into the future. By serving in the cotton industry, you are able to work with
other farmers to ensure cotton provides a way of life for future generations.
What is something you want farmers in your district to know about you?
I farm with three brothers in Mumford, Texas. My district runs from Vanderbilt to Corsicana. I realize I have not met a good number of our farmers, but I welcome the chance to hear their concerns.
What is something you want growers to know or understand about PCCA?
When you market your cotton through PCCA, you have become an owner of the cooperative. PCCA is considered a leader in the cotton industry. Our goal is to return as much revenue as possible back to the grower. PCCA has been a leader in developing new technologies and marketing solutions.
Marvin Beyer – District 11
3rd Generation Farmer | Farming – 44 years
Why is it important to you to serve the cotton industry?
I have always enjoyed growing cotton. It is challenging but rewarding to plant, grow, and harvest the crop. The cotton industry has been good to me and my family. I want to contribute all
I can to make it profitable and enjoyable for future generations.
What is something you want farmers in your district to know about you?
I want my fellow farmers to know that I will do all I can to promote cotton and keep the demand for cotton as high as possible so it will be profitable for all farmers to continue to grow this amazing plant (dryland and irrigated). I also want them to know that I am always willing to listen and answer questions and not just for the farmers in my district.
What is something you want growers to know or understand about PCCA?
First and foremost, I want the growers to understand that PCCA is not just “pool” cotton marketing. There are other options at PCCA. Also, we farmers have a voice in our co-ops, and I don’t want us to lose that. If we keep marketing cotton around our co-ops, we will lose that voice. Ask yourself, how many times has another merchant gone to Washington to promote the cotton industry for you, the farmer? While PCCA does not lobby directly for farmers, they do represent the growers in areas that put money back into the pocket of its members. I believe if the private merchants take over, we the farmers, will have to take what they offer us and we will lose any control we have over marketing our cotton because there will be no competition.
