Texas Border Business
HARLINGEN, Texas – In 1953, Harlingen auctioned the first bale of cotton grown in the United States and the traditioncontinues. For more than 65 years, the Harlingen Cotton Committee has verified that the First Bale of cotton in the nation was grown in the great state of Texas.
“Agriculture remains one of the key economic sectors in the RGV even with the rapid growth and expanding trade we have experienced in the region,” said Sam Simmons Jr., Cotton Committee Chairman.
The official First Bale of cotton in the United States was harvested on June 23, 2022, by Wesley Vanderpool, of Alamo,Texas. It was delivered to Willacy Co-Op. The variety harvested was Stoneville 4990 and it was planted on February 15th,2022. Congratulations to Mr. Vanderpool and all that were involved! Harvest season 2022 has officially begun.
The Harlingen Cotton Committee will be hosting their Annual First Bale of Cotton Auction & Scholarship Fundraiser on Thursday, September 15th from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Casa Del Sol located at 221 E Madison Ave, Harlingen.
“We believe that providing opportunities for students to receive an education will improve our ability to maintain agriculture asa viable industry here in the future as resources become more scarce,” Simmons continued. Sid Miller Texas Commission of Agriculture will be the special guest speaker.
The Harlingen Cotton Committee is still in search of sponsors to reach the $10,000 goal to support students pursuing a career in an agricultural–related field.
