Plains, Texas, cotton producer Ricky Bearden was unanimously voted in as the Cotton Incorporated chairman for the 2010 through 2012 term.

Bearden succeeds California grower Ted Sheely, who held the post for the prior two years.

Bearden brings more than 30 years of practical experience as a cotton producer to thechairman position. In addition, he has provided his leadership to a range of cotton-related organizations at the local and national levels.

J. Berrye Worsham, Cotton Incorporated president and CEO, said of Bearden’s appointment: “The staff and board of Cotton Incorporated are delighted to have Ricky as our chairman. His keen understanding of the cotton industry will be an asset to our organization during his term.”

Bearden is a native of Plains, Texas, where he grows cotton, wheat, milo, peanuts and black-eyed peas on his 6,000-acre farm. He has served as a director on the boards of the National Cotton Council, Cotton Incorporated, and the American Cotton Producers and was also president of Plains Cotton Growers, Inc. from 2004 to 2006.