First Harvested Bale for 2021 Raises Scholarship Funds in Texas
October 11, 2021 Funds from the auction of the First Harvested Bale in the U.S. for 2021 helped the Harlingen, TX Cotton Committee raise a record $20,500 during its annual First Bale Auction and Scholarship Fundraiser on Sept. 23.
The bale – from a field of FiberMax FM 1830 GLT – was harvested July 18 by Walter Priestly, Larry Hellman, and Chris Hellman of Priestly Farms in Robstown, TX. The cotton was delivered for ginning to Pat Ritter and Brandon Benton of King Ranch Gin.
Pictured (left to right) with the First Harvested Bale in the U.S. for 2021 are Brianna and Chris Hellmann of Priestly Farms; Sam Simmons, Harlingen Cotton Committee Chair; and Mark Kelling, BASF Southwest Area Manager. Photo: BASF.
BASF was the winning bidder of the year’s First Bale. Proceeds from the purchase of the bale, supporter “add-ons,” Priestly Farms’ donation of its First Bale proceeds, and additional funds from a live and silent auction built the record fundraising total.
The Harlingen Cotton Committee will use the funds to support local agriculture student scholarships.
The First Bale will be shipped to Vidalia Mills in Louisiana – an e3 Sustainable Cotton mill. Priestly is an e3 Sustainable Cotton grower.
Based on information provided by BASF
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