OUR LEADERS

Southwest council of AGRIBUSINESS officers

"the welfare of the farmer is vital to that of the whole country. The prosperity of the country rests peculiarly upon the prosperity of agriculture."

- President William Taft

JIM SUGAREK — BEEVILLE, TEXAS — PRESIDENT

A sixth-generation farmer in Beeville, Texas, where he lives alongside his wife Gina and daughter Samantha. He raises primarily corn, cotton, wheat, milo, and cattle. He currently serves as the Texas Corn Producers Association’s President and has been on the association’s board since 2018. He is a former participant in the Leadership, Activism, Networking and Development (LAND) program through Texas Corn Producers, and the Texas Ag Finance Young Leaders Council. The Sugareks are also business owners in Beeville, Texas.

BARRY EVANS; TULIA, TEXAS – 1ST VICE PRESIDENT

Barry has been farming in Swisher County Texas for the majority of his life. His main areas of production include cotton, grain sorghum, and cattle. He has been a dedicated member to Plains Cotton Growers and currently serves on their Board of Directors. Additionally, he has served on multiple National Cotton Council Committees and was previously President and Chairman of the Cotton Foundation.

Otis Johnson — Seminole, Texas — 2nd Vice-President

Primarily producing peanuts and cotton, Otis Lee Johnson farms in Seminole, Texas. He has been farming for over 25 years and has become well known for his advocacy within the agriculture industry and his community. Otis currently serves as Wester Peanut Growers Association President and has been a board member of the Texas Peanut Growers since 1998.

L.G. Raun — El Campo, Texas— Past President

A rice producer from El Campo, Texas. He is currently the chairman of the Texas Rice Producers Legislative Group and a board member of the USA Rice Federation. He also serves as the rice representative of the Texas Ag Council and the Texas Rice Industry Coalition for the Environment. LG is a third-generation farmer and remains active in his community with his wife Linda.

Kody Bessent — Lubbock, Texas — Secretary/Treasurer

As the CEO of the Plains Cotton Grower, Kody plays a large roll in promoting the cotton industry on the high plains. Previously, he served as Vice President of Legislative Affairs for Texas Wheat Producers Board, Legislative Affairs Director for the High Plains Water District, and Vice President of Operations and Legislative Affairs for PCG. Kody is also a cotton producer in Lubbock and has been a strong advocate for the agriculture industry throughout his career.

Jimmy Clark — Lubbock, Texas — Executive Director

Jimmy is a familiar and respected force for agriculture in the Southwest Region. He served as district representative for Congressman Combest and as Deputy Chief of Staff for his successor Congressman Randy Neugebauer for 23 years. Jimmy understands the issues that are important to business and agriculture, and has dedicated a career to improving economic opportunity for the region. In addition to his life of public service, Jimmy has continued to build and improve a third generation family farming operation near Acuff, Texas.

Southwest Council of Agribusiness | 8303 Aberdeen, Lubbock, TX 79424| 806-792-4904 - Main Office