Every bale of cotton is important to Staplcotn, as is every grower/member. However, when milestones are reached, a bale and its grower(s) deserve recognition.
On November 13, 2025, Staplcotn received its 125 millionth bale of cotton, which was ginned by Cotton Growers Co- Op Gin in New Market, Alabama, and grown by Bragg Farms of Toney, Alabama. A member since 1994, Bragg Farms was founded by Allen and Barbara Bragg. Their son, Dennis Bragg, joined the operation in 1993, followed by their daughter, Jeannie Bragg Harvey, in 1995. Today, this brother/sister team are partners in the operation. “Dennis takes care of everything outside the office door, and I handle things inside the office,” explained Jeannie. In addition to cotton, the family grows corn, beans, and wheat.
Dennis graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Building Science in 1993 and returned to the farm to work with his parents. His son, Walker, plans to follow in his father’s footsteps as well. Dennis proudly commented, “Our grandparents, our parents, and now Jeannie and I, have operated this farm. Our children will be the fourth generation to work this land.”
Jeannie brings a unique background to the partnership. A graduate of Auburn University with a double major in Speech Pathology and French, followed by a master’s degree in Speech Pathology from Vanderbilt University, Jeannie began her career as a speech pathologist. After a few years working in the hospital system, she returned to the family farm in Toney. She credits her upbringing and her mother’s tutelage for instilling a deep appreciation for agriculture and rural life. “Both of our parents were from farming families. I remember my mother keeping up with the green warehouse receipts that represented every bale. Now we have computers to do it, thank goodness. I remember thinking how stressful holding onto those warehouse receipts would be for her. After a few years of working in another career, I just realized I loved being here and wanted to come home and work on the family farm.”
Aside from the work itself, Jeannie values the relationships she has inherited and built over the years with landlords, neighboring farmers, and others across the industry, noting that those connections are among the most rewarding aspects of farming. She said, “The tie to the earth, the people you work with and do business with, the relationships you form, being with family, are all part of it. It’s just in our makeup.” Jeannie’s son, Wesley, plans to return home after college to join the farming operation as well. Her daughter, Josie, has different plans at this time, but also feels a deep affection for the farm.
When asked about why they chose Staplcotn in 1994, Dennis explained, “I remember Dad telling me that when my grandparents were farming, our grandfather would meet with individual buyers to sell their cotton. Then in my dad’s era, he would sell his cotton to merchants. By 1994, buyers were literally all over the world and Dad thought Staplcotn would be best positioned to sell our cotton.” Three decades later, Jeannie points to the dependable customer service, responsiveness of the Staplcotn representatives, and the convenience of having Cullen Lovell, a Staplcotn Cotton Specialist, and Anita Jackson, the Administrative Assistant, in nearby Athens as a few of the reasons they have remained a loyal member. “You can just call and ask anything at any time. They are there to help us with anything we need. Staplcotn gives you great support. You can depend on that,” she added.
And now, Bragg Farms will be known as the farm that produced the 125 millionth bale. An achievement for the company, certainly, but it’s especially meaningful that this special bale was produced by a dedicated, multi-generational farm family. We extend our thanks to Jeannie, Dennis, and the entire Bragg family, as well as to all of our members who produce quality cotton and entrust its care to Staplcotn.