Jimmy Dodson, Cotton Producer

James F. “Jimmy” Dodson of Robstown, a cotton producer and member of Texas Farm Credit Services, is among the visionaries recognized nationally through Farm Credit 100 Fresh Perspectives, a search to identify 100 leaders who are changing rural communities and agriculture for the better.

The honorees were announced on March 15, National Ag Day, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Farm Credit launched the Farm Credit 100 Fresh Perspectives program as part of its 100th anniversary of service to rural communities and agriculture. As a Fresh Perspectives honoree in the Leadership (21 and Up) category, Dodson joins an impressive list of leaders in agriculture and rural enterprise.

A third-generation farmer, Dodson has a rich agricultural background in the
Coastal Bend, where he grows cotton, corn and grain on more than 12,000 acres and operates a seed sales business. He has been the recipient of many awards from state, regional and national ag organizations, and this February received the highest honor from the National Cotton Council of America, the Harry S. Baker Distinguished Service Award, for his work on behalf of the cotton industry. Dodson serves on state ag cooperative councils and is past chair of American Cotton Producers, the Cotton Foundation and the National Cotton Council of America.

A Farm Credit member since 1974, he is chairman of the Farm Credit Bank of Texas Board of Directors and former chairman of the board of the customer-owned rural lending co-op Texas AgFinance, now Texas Farm Credit Services. He also serves on the board of the national Farm Credit Council, and is chairman of the Tenth District Farm Credit Council.

At home, Dodson volunteers and takes on leadership roles in his community. He is active in his church, has served on local school boards, and finds great satisfaction in mentoring young ag producers. “I hope to achieve better understanding of agriculture by all stakeholders, lower barriers to entry and success for producers of food and fiber by better communication, realistic and effective regulations, fewer trade imbalances, coordinated research, and a meaningful and simpler governmental safety net,” said Dodson, a vocal advocate for policies that help preserve the farming way of life.

Jodi McManus, a credit analyst at Texas Farm Credit’s Robstown headquarters, nominated him for the Fresh Perspectives honor. “Mr. Dodson works tirelessly on behalf of agriculture and stewardship of natural resources,” McManus said. “Something he once shared with the staff of Texas Farm Credit exemplifies how he lives his life: ‘You will have long days and short years. Invest your life in people, improvement, communities and reputation.'”

We at Texas Farm Credit are delighted to honor Jimmy Dodson for his contributions to a vibrant future for rural America.