PLA class members pictured with PLA Class XIII graduate, Kirk Martin and his family at Martin Farms in Brownfield, Texas.
Members of Class XIV of the Peanut Leadership Academy (PLA) completed the third session of the 18-month program Aug. 19-22, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas. A highlight for many PLA classes, this session provided participants with an opportunity to learn more about peanut production in West Texas, explore other sectors of agriculture, strenghen media relations skills and prepare for the class’s upcoming legislative session in Washington, D.C.
The class began its time in Lubbock with a visit to the USDA AMS Cotton Classification Complex. This 30,000-square-foot, fully automated cotton classing facility processes approximately 50,000-60,000 cotton samples per day, making it one of the most technologically advanced classing operations in the country. Opened in 2022, the complex serves as a hub for modern classification, agricultural research, workforce development and technological innovation, while providing producers with faster, more detailed information about crop quality.
From Lubbock, the class traveled to Brownfield to visit PLA Class XIII graduate, Kirk Martin and his famiy farm. A fifth-generation farmer in Terry County, Martin farms alongside his father and brother, producing cotton, peanuts and winter wheat, while also maintaining a cattle operation.
The group then traveled to Seagraves to visit another PLA XIII graduate, Henry Froese. In addition to growing peanuts, Froese owns and operates Y Knot Vineyard and a diversified agricultural operation. The class enjoyed lunch at the vineyard and fellowship with Texas PLA alumni, before touring the operation.
After leaving Seagraves, the group returned to the Brownfield area for a visit to Addington Buffalo Company, led by Charles “Doc” Addington. The family-owned bison operation is based in Wolfforth, Texas, with additional bison located in southeastern Oklahoma. The operation includes bison production, premium bison beef, cow-calf production, and breeding and showing animals. Addington Buffalo Company also has connections to West Texas A&M University, including a partnership that helped raise “Sally,” an orphaned bison calf that is now being developed as a university mascot.
On the final day of the session, the class toured MTS Kimbell Manufactuing and Back to Nature Compost before turning its focus to media relations and preparation for the upcoming legislative session. Shelley Huguley of Southwest Farm Press led a media relations session focused on interviewing techniques, best practices for working with the media and the importance of building strong relationships with journalists. Her presentation included an open and engaging conversation that allowed each participant to gain a better understanding of communicating effectively with the media and representing the peanut industry.
To conclude the session, Lorene Parker of The Redding Firm prepared participants for their upcoming visit to Washington, D.C., discussing expectations and ways to make the most of their time meeting with policy makers and other industry leaders.
Sponsored by Syngenta Crop Protection and the American Peanut Shellers Association, and coordinated by the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the Peanut Leadership Academy provides leadership training for young farmers and sheller representatives within the U.S. peanut industry. Participants develop leadership skills while gaining insight into the issues, opportunities and challenges facing the peanut industry.
The current PLA class includes participants from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.
Class XIV will travel to Washington, D.C., in 2027 for its final education session. Additional information about the Peanut Leadership Academy is available online at southernpeanutfarmers.org.
By Jessie Bland