Bruce Brumfield, a former National Cotton Council president and cotton producer from Inverness, Miss., is the recipient of the 2005 Harry S. Baker Distinguished Service Award for Cotton. He was honored at the National Cotton Council's 2006 Annual Meeting in Tucson.

The award, named for the late California industry leader and NCC President Harry S. Baker, is presented annually to a deserving individual who has provided extraordinary service, leadership and dedication to the U.S. cotton industry.

A partner in Brumfield Plantation and FTB Farms, Brumfield's farming operation in Sunflower County, Miss., primarily is in cotton, soybeans, wheat and catfish. He also is vice-president of Duncan Gin Inc. in Inverness.

Brumfield was honored for his uncommon leadership and his distinguished and invaluable service provided to the U.S. cotton industry. He became chairman of the NCC's Board in 1995 after serving as NCC president in 1994. He is a past chairman of the NCC's Producer Steering Committee and a past president of the Delta Council and the Mississippi Cattlemen's Association.

He currently serves as a director for Staplcotn Cotton Cooperative, the Community Bank of Indianola, Delta Pride Catfish and Delta Western Inc.