Alabama Cotton Producer Jimmy Sanford is Recipient of Cotton Service Award

Jimmy Sanford, a Prattville, AL, cotton producer and dedicated industry leader, was honored here today as the recipient of the 2001 Harry S. Baker Distinguished Service Award for Cotton

January 31, 2001
Contact: Marjory Walker
(901) 274-9030

SAN DIEGO, CA – Jimmy Sanford, a Prattville, AL, cotton producer and dedicated industry leader, was honored here today as the recipient of the 2001 Harry S. Baker Distinguished Service Award for Cotton.

The award, named for the late California industry leader and National Cotton Council president Harry S. Baker, is presented annually to a U.S. cotton industry member who has provided extraordinary service, leadership and dedication to the industry. Sanford received the award during the Council's annual meeting.

In presenting the award, outgoing Council President Robert McLendon said, "Jimmy has tirelessly served, and continues to serve, the cotton industry and all of agriculture."

Sanford was the 44th president of the National Cotton Council and has served as NCC board chairman, treasurer, vice chairman of its Research and Education program committee and chairman of its Industry/Government Research Committee. Additionally, he served as chairman of The Cotton Foundation and has participated in several industry trade missions to Europe and the Far East for Cotton Council International and USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service.

He is chairperson of HOME Place Farms, Inc. and a partner in HOME Place Partners. He serves as a director of the successful Internet entity, QuickFarm.com. In addition, he is president of the Autauga Quality Cotton Association, a director for the Alabama Power Company, chairperson for Sylvest Farms, Inc., and a partner in Warm Springs LLC, Interstate Commercial Park and Owensboro Towne Center LLC.

Known for his ability to take charge of opportunities and produce results, Sanford has held numerous leadership positions in agri-business organizations such as the Alabama Agribusiness Council, Alabama Cotton Commission, Business Council of Alabama, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Economic Development Partnership of Alabama and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

He was named Southeast Man of the Year by Progressive Farmer magazine and previously received the Presidential Award from Southern Cotton Growers, Inc. He is active in a number of church and community organizations such as First Baptist Church, Judson College, Auburn University, United Way and YMCA.

Jimmy is a graduate of Auburn University where he received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in economics. He married the former Dorothy Hardage and they have two daughters, Susan and Catherine; one son, Will; and a son-in-law, Eric.

Previous honorees of the Harry S. Baker Award include Duke Barr, Bob Coker, Earl Sears, Albert Russell, B. F. Smith, Charlie Cunningham, Charlie Youngker, Lon Mann, Lloyd Cline, William B. Dunavant, Jr., Frank Mitchener, Duke Kimbrell, Jack Stone and Sen. Thad Cochran (R-MS).