Dr. Art Simpson has joined Stoneville Pedigreed Seed Company as national operations manager. Simpson, who has been a cotton producer, researcher and farm supply dealer, will be responsible for overseeing management of Stoneville facilities in Maricopa, Ariz., Big Spring, Tex., and Stoneville, Miss. He will also provide support for the counterseason program in South Africa.

Simpson brings to Stoneville more than 20 years of agricultural experience. His background includes serving as CEO and general manager of Marked Tree Cooperative, Inc., owning and operating Simpson Planting Company and working as director of the Northeast Research and Extension Center at the University of Arkansas in Keiser. He holds a B.S. in agriculture (crop science) and a M.S. in plant breeding and genetics from the University of Arkansas and a Ph.D. in plant genetics and breeding from Purdue University.

"Art will be an excellent leader as national operations manager," said Dr. Denny Berkey, vice president of production, operations and quality. "His educational background and professional experience make him the perfect person for the job. We are very pleased to have Art as a member of the Stoneville team."

Stoneville Pedigreed Seed Company is the second largest breeder, producer and marketer of cotton planting seeds in the United States, with seed production facilities in Arizona, Mississippi and Texas, and research and development sites in Arizona, California, Georgia, Mississippi, Texas and South Africa. Stoneville has been breeding cotton since 1922, and is respected worldwide for its contributions to the cotton industry, including introduction of the world's first genetically engineered cotton seed.

Company news release
N2197