Dell Cotton Honored for Contributions to the Peanut Industry

Dell Cotton Honored for Lifetime Contributions to the Peanut Industry

During the 2025 USA Peanut Congress in Nashville, Tennessee, the American Peanut Council announced the recipients of its highest honors, recognizing individuals whose leadership has made a lasting impact on the U.S. peanut industry.

Among this year’s honorees was Thomas R. “Dell” Cotton, Jr., who received the American Peanut Council Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his decades of service to peanut growers throughout Virginia and North Carolina.

As the immediate past Executive Secretary of the Virginia Peanut Growers Association, Cotton played a pivotal role in guiding the organization and supporting producers through significant industry changes. Numerous nomination letters highlighted his leadership during the transition following the elimination of the federal peanut quota system, helping strengthen and sustain peanut farming across the Virginia-Carolina region.

During the award presentation, APC Vice Chair Clint Piper of Golden Peanut praised Cotton for his extensive industry knowledge, humility, and unwavering commitment to growers. Piper noted that Cotton’s decades of service on numerous boards, committees, and agricultural organizations have helped strengthen the Virginia-Carolina peanut industry for generations.

The American Peanut Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose careers represent extraordinary dedication, leadership, and long-term contributions to the peanut industry and the communities it serves.

Caitlin Joyner, Executive Director of the Virginia Peanut Growers Association, emphasized Cotton’s lasting influence on the organization.

“Many growers in our area will personally attest to the fact that it is in large part to Dell Cotton’s leadership that we still have an organization today and just celebrated our 78th year.”

APC President and CEO Richard Owen summarized the significance of the award recipients by stating:

“These individuals have helped shape the future of peanuts in the United States and beyond. Their leadership, science, and service are foundational to the continued success of our industry.”

Industry Partners Establish Scholarships Honoring Dell Cotton’s Legacy

In conjunction with Cotton’s retirement, the Peanut Growers Cooperative Marketing Association (PGCMA), together with the North Carolina Peanut Growers Association and the Virginia Peanut Growers Association, announced the creation of two permanent endowed scholarships that will support future generations of agricultural leaders.

The scholarships recognize Cotton’s lifelong commitment to peanut growers, cooperative marketing, agricultural education, and rural communities throughout the Virginia-Carolina peanut-producing region.

Throughout his distinguished career, Cotton helped strengthen grower cooperation, expand marketing opportunities, and advance innovation within the peanut industry. The new scholarship programs ensure his commitment to agriculture will continue benefiting students for years to come.

Thomas R. “Dell” Cotton, Jr. Scholarship at Virginia Tech

A $100,000 endowment has been established through the Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc. to create the Thomas R. “Dell” Cotton, Jr. Scholarship.

The scholarship will be administered annually by the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and awarded to students majoring in agriculture, with preference given to those enrolled in the Agricultural Technology program who demonstrate an interest in peanut production or the peanut industry.

Eligible students must reside in peanut-producing counties located in Virginia or North Carolina.

To begin supporting students immediately, PGCMA also contributed an additional $5,000 to fund the scholarship’s inaugural award before the endowment begins generating annual distributions. The scholarship has been established in perpetuity, providing long-term educational opportunities for future agricultural professionals.

Peanut Growers Cooperative Marketing Association Dell Cotton Scholarship Endowment at NC State University

PGCMA has also contributed $100,000 to the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation, Inc. to establish the Peanut Growers Cooperative Marketing Association Dell Cotton Scholarship Endowment at NC State University.

This scholarship will assist undergraduate students enrolled in the Agricultural Institute at NC State. Priority consideration will be given to students from peanut-producing counties in Virginia and North Carolina, particularly those demonstrating a commitment to the peanut industry through academic studies, work experience, leadership activities, or future career goals.

Honoring a Lifetime of Leadership and Service

The scholarship announcements reflect the tremendous respect Cotton has earned throughout the peanut industry during his decades of service.

Clay Lowe, President of PGCMA, emphasized the importance of investing in future agricultural leaders while honoring Cotton’s remarkable career.

“These scholarships are a fitting tribute to Dell’s decades of leadership and service to peanut growers. By investing in students who will shape the future of agriculture, we are honoring Dell’s vision for a strong and sustainable peanut industry.”

Ashley Collins, CEO of the North Carolina Peanut Growers Association, also recognized Cotton’s lasting influence across the region.

“Dell’s knowledge, dedication, and unwavering support have shaped the peanut industry in the Virginia-Carolina region for decades. These scholarships are a heartfelt way to honor his legacy and ensure the next generation of leaders can follow in his footsteps.”

Both scholarship endowments have been designed to grow over time through additional charitable contributions. Donors who wish to support agricultural education and continue Dell Cotton’s legacy will have opportunities to contribute, helping future students pursue careers that strengthen the peanut industry for generations to come.