Meet new NSP board director Samuel Simmons
NSP voted to welcome three new directors to its board at its annual August meeting. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be highlighting these new members and getting to know them.
This week’s spotlight is Samuel Simmons, a sorghum farmer from Harlingen, Texas.
Simmons brings experienced leadership to the NSP board of directors. He has served on numerous cotton boards and was president of South Texas Cotton and Grain Producers. This fourth generation farmer typically grows 1,200 acres of sorghum each year, and there is no doubt he is optimistic about the future of the crop.
“Grain sorghum provides a lot of unique opportunities,” Simmons said. “I think it’s a market that will continue to grow as we find different venues for sorghum.”
Simmons is ready “to go to work” for sorghum. In light of the current budget situation, now is the time more than ever to provide grower involvement in the legislative process and Simmons is eager to take an active role on behalf of sorghum producers.
Simmons says Congress will have to make big decisions in the next year and a half and it will be important for sorghum and agriculture to make sure their voice is heard.
“We’re all going to have to tighten our belts, and it is unfortunate ag doesn’t have the number of votes we used to,” he said.
When asked about the future of NSP, Simmons says he is happy with the direction things are going and he would like to continue to educate producers about what types of sorghum will add value to their bottom line.
“Due to water shortages, sorghum fills a niche because other crops that are high in water consumption just don’t make sense right now.”
Simmons’ experience and knowledge will undoubtedly be an asset to the board as it moves forward.
“I would like to listen and help make this board better by being legislatively proactive and helping to further develop our resources,” he said.
Simmons has been a husband to his wife, Susan, for 31 years this October and is a father of two sons, Samuel, 28 and James, 25. The young men are fifth generation partners with their dad at Heritage Farms. In his spare time, Simmons enjoys fishing and spending weekends with his family at South Padre Island by the bay.
Simmons will assume his new position as a NSP director effective October 1.