By Jamie Martin
USDA Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently visited Lubbock, Texas, to engage with agricultural producers and leaders during a roundtable at the Cotton Classification Complex on Texas Tech University’s campus. The facility is the first of its kind in the country and plays a crucial role in the processing and grading of U.S. cotton.
During her visit, Secretary Rollins was joined by House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington and representatives from various agriculture sectors, including sorghum, corn, beef, dairy, and peanuts. They discussed the industry’s key challenges and the federal government’s support for rural farming.
Texas is the largest cotton-producing state, accounting for 55% of the country’s cotton acreage. The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) grades all U.S. cotton, with the Lubbock facility handling 20% of the total crop. The site has also improved efficiency, reducing costs by nearly 19% per sample.
“We have our fabrics, clothes, and medical supplies because of the land and labor from cotton farmers in Lubbock and surrounding counties. With President in the White House, we are putting farmers first at USDA,” said Secretary Rollins.
The USDA grading system ensures quality standards and supports fair market pricing. Farmers rely on these services, funded by user fees, to ensure transparency and trust in cotton marketing.
This facility helps drive cotton research and strengthens both domestic and international cotton trade. In a typical season, cotton grading supports the marketing of over $7 billion in raw cotton, with additional value generated across the supply chain.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National