A true student of the trade, Billy Griggs of Unadilla, GA, spent much of his early career researching agricultural topics like irrigation and crop rotation. The 1990 Cotton Achievement Award honoree was also a champion of conservation.

As the 1991 Cotton Achievement Award winner Rick Parsons was known for his attention to detail - a trait that was necessary on his 3,500 acre wall-to-wall cotton operation.

A college educator in an earlier career, Hardwick approached cotton production with a sharp mind. His unique background affected how he approached everything from the cotton market to labor management on his Louisiana farm.

Arizona grower Steve Sossaman considered public relations to be part of the job when it came to farming. His advocacy on behalf of agriculture was only one of the many reasons he was named the 1993 Cotton Achievement Award honoree.

In a rare departure for the Cotton Achievement Award, there were multiple honorees in 1994. Bill Tracy was named the primary recipient, although his grower partners in the Tracy, Frey and Selvidge families were also honored. Unsurprisingly, the California cotton producers listed "people" as their farming operation's strongest asset.

Senath, Missouri producer Charles Parker took home the 1995 Cotton Achievement Award. Parker employed an innovative production program on his farm, one that emphasized earliness and never letting his crop go wanting for any inputs. Parker would go on to lead the National Cotton Council later in his career.

Jimmy Blythe of Courtland, Alabama took home the 1996 Cotton Achievement Award thanks to his skill in efficient farming. His dedication to a no-till system allowed him to succeed on efficient use of labor, inputs and equipment. Like many in his region, he suffered severe tobacco budworm damage in 1995, resulting in the adoption of newly introduced Bt cotton in 1996.

In Fresno, California, Jack Hoover devised a production, ginning and marketing program that kept his cotton in extremely high demand. His emphasis on fiber quality was monumental, and played a major role in earning him the 1997 Cotton Achievement Award.

Allan Baucom of North Carolina became the nation's premier producer of Ultra Narrow Row cotton in the late 90s, and was subsequently able to remain profitable in the face of a 60 cent cotton market. His willingness to take risks paid off in his marketing efforts and with the 1998 Cotton Achievement Award.

As an Indiana native, Paul Good brought a background in grain and dairy with him to Macon, Mississipp, where he began farming cotton. His innovation in managing cotton with other crops - including raising catfish in his irrigation reservoirs - played a major role in his selection as the recipient of the 1999 Cotton Achievement Award.